love story

Mainstream recognition has never bothered Robert Altman. Why else would his latest movie be a plotless drama about a ballet company? From M*A*S*H to Gosford Park, he's proved himself a maverick to the core. And that ain't ever gonna change.

Don't expect to see Sean Penn starring in a perky rom-com anytime soon. By his own admission, the 43-year-old actor/director is finding himself more and more attracted to grimmer, more grimy material than standard feelgood Hollywood fare.