Film luminaries remember Altman

Altman was nominated five times for a best director Oscar

Actors, directors and producers have joined members of Robert Altman's family in New York for a service to remember the late film director.

Lauren Bacall, Paul Newman, Julianne Moore, Susan Sarandon and Harvey Keitel were among the stars at the event.

The memorial service was held at the Majestic Theatre on what would have been Altman's 82nd birthday.

The acclaimed director of Gosford Park and Mash died of complications related to cancer in November.

'Maverick'

Altman was remembered during the service as a maverick director who refused to compromise in films like Mash, The Player and his last film, A Prairie Home Companion.

"He did not like conformity. This is an understatement," said Bob Balaban, who acted in and co-produced Gosford Park. "Bob never met a status quo he didn't hate."

Several generations of film-makers were also at the service, including Sidney Lumet and Jim Jarmusch.

Actor Tim Robbins was among those who spoke during the service

Altman's wife Kathryn was in the audience, while four of his six children were among the speakers.

His son Stephen said he was overwhelmed by the memorial, but admitted his father would have merely been "whelmed".

Other actors at the service included Kevin Kline, Lily Tomlin, Harry Belafonte, Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close and Tim Robbins.

Robbins, who starred in Altman's films The Player and Pret A Porter, said: "There's a hilarious new movie in preproduction up in heaven.

"[Altman is] watching the people on stage, yes, but there are other cameras lurking around the theatre today [observing] the subplots, the subterfuge, the silliness, the whispered comments, the backstage preening."

Tuesday's memorial also featured music from the Kansas City Orchestra, jazz singer Annie Ross, composer and pianist William Bolcom and soprano Lauren Flanigan.

A further memorial service is scheduled for 4 March in Los Angeles.