3 Women is a 1977 American psychological drama film written, produced and directed by Robert Altman and starring Shelley Duvall, Sissy Spacek and Janice Rule. Set in a dusty California desert town, it depicts the increasingly bizarre relationship between an adult woman (Duvall), her teenage roommate and co-worker (Spacek) and a middle-aged pregnant woman (Rule).
The story came directly from a dream Altman had, which he adapted into a treatment, intending to film without a screenplay. 20th Century Fox financed the project on the basis of Altman’s past work.
3 Women premiered at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival and earned positive reviews from critics, who particularly praised the performances of the cast (especially Duvall’s). Interpretations of the film are centered around its use of psychoanalysis and discussion of identity. It was not a strong box office success despite Hollywood studio financing and distribution.
Take a look at these vintage photos to see portraits of Shelley Duvall during the filming of 3 Women in 1977.
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