Running the Whole Mamet

Late last year, I saw a production of Glengarry Glen Ross here in Denver, and noted that I planned to add the film version of the play to my "Things to See" list. Well, I can now cross it off that list, having now seen the film.

I can say that the movie is not substantially different from the play. Aside from relocating a few key scenes to open up the action from a limited number of sets (as all play adaptations do), there are only two significant changes in this film version. The first act of the play is divided into three scenes that introduce characters to us in pairs; in the film, these three vignettes are integrated slightly, with a few small pieces cut together rather than presented in succession.

The second alteration is more significant, the addition of a new character, played by Alec Baldwin. He has only one scene in the movie, of five to ten minutes, but it's one of those larger-than-life characters realized in a powerhouse performance. These days, Alec Baldwin seems to be better known for his skills in comedy (which are considerable). But a look at this movie will remind you he has the dramatic chops too. It's actually an all-star cast from top to bottom. Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey, and Jonathan Pryce fill it out, each outstanding and a perfect fit for their roles.

In commenting on the play, I mentioned that I'd heard the movie portrayed some of the men as more sympathetic, rather than purely immoral scam artists. Judging it now for myself, I wouldn't really say that's the case. Jack Lemmon's performance adds some nuance to the piece, but these are all basically low-lifes on the page.

The crisp and polished writing of David Mamet is just as strong on screen as on stage. But this is also the area in which the story falls short a bit for me. Well, really, there isn't much story. Yes, there is a plot that could be encapsulated and explained, but ultimately this script is more about painting a picture than telling that story. The particulars of plot run a distant second to demonstrating these people, the way they act, the way they speak.

It's certainly an enjoyable movie, and worth seeing for some top notch acting. But it doesn't quite have it all. I rate it a B.