Choosing interesting camera shots, executing interesting camera movements, paying more attention to lighting details, perhaps doing more with music.

I mean maybe the minimalist style, where he shot several scenes in one take was just what Altman chose to do to more accurately portray the everyday-LA type of feeling he was trying to get across, but I kind of felt it was too TV-ish at times as far as production values went. Magnolia felt much more polished and professional.

Again, maybe it just wasn't what Altman wanted, but I felt as though I would've liked it better.