Streamers (1983)

56% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
46% of users liked it
(302 ratings)

Based on the virulently antimilitary play by David Rabe, Streamers is set in a basic-training barracks. Matthew Modine is among the raw recruits who alternate between strutting around like bantam cocks to snivelling like frightened children. To test one another's manhood, the recruits indulge in… More Based on the virulently antimilitary play by David Rabe, Streamers is set in a basic-training barracks. Matthew Modine is among the raw recruits who alternate between strutting around like bantam cocks to snivelling like frightened children. To test one another's manhood, the recruits indulge in violent physical and verbal game playing. Special attention is given those whose skin color or outlook on life is at odds with the "standards" of the group. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 58 min.
Directed By: Robert Altman
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Oct 9, 1983 Wide
On DVD: Jan 19, 2010

Critic Reviews

Vincent Canby, New York Times
It goes partway toward realizing the full effect of a stage play as a film, then botches the job by the overabundant use of film techniques, which dismember what should be an ensemble performance.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Sure it's searing and intense, but so is a microwave oven.
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
M*A*S*H* stripped from its wise-guy veneer
Sean Axmaker, Seanax.com
... a different kind of filmed theater that combines the intimacy of the original play with a cinematic expressiveness.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
It's almost impossible to watch this... with the mindset of the time in which it was created. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing...
Andrew Schenker, Slant Magazine
Mid-level Altman from the forgotten '80s, a period that ought not to be forgotten entirely.
Andrew Schenker, Slant Magazine
What elevates the film above a dated topical discussion is Altman's imagining of the army barracks as a hothouse environment where tensions and fears play out in oddly manic outbursts%u2014and his direction of his actors accordingly.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The ensemble cast comes up smart with some fine spontaneous performances.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Conveys the toxic effects of the Vietnam war

Read all 9 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Steven C

The string of films Robert Altman made during the 1980s ("Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean," "Secret Honor," "Fool for Love," "Beyond Therapy") were all adaptations of stage plays. Altman attempted to blur the line between… More
The string of films Robert Altman made during the 1980s ("Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean," "Secret Honor," "Fool for Love," "Beyond Therapy") were all adaptations of stage plays. Altman attempted to blur the line between stage and screen by sticking almost exactly to the staging, sets, dialogue and structure of the plays. Of course, he brought his filmic sensibilities to each picture, always emphasizing the aspects Altman deemed most important. While none of the films are particularly successful, it's still a worthy experiment. As for "Streamers," it's a difficult film. Unfortunately, it's not difficult because of the subject matter (the Vietnam War, homosexuality, racism) but because the actors over act, the film feels stagey and claustrophobic, and there just ins't anything to truly hold your attention. While it's one of Altman's more complex (failed) experiments it's also a very uncomfortable 2 hours (and not in the good way "3 Women" or "Images" is).
Jason R

I really didn't know what to think of the film. Other than the fact that it is a very effective drama. However, it was all over the place and I got dizzy trying to keep up with all the different plots. The acting was good but sadly this is not one of Robert Altman's best… More
I really didn't know what to think of the film. Other than the fact that it is a very effective drama. However, it was all over the place and I got dizzy trying to keep up with all the different plots. The acting was good but sadly this is not one of Robert Altman's best movies.