Review of Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) by Richard C — 26 Jan 2012

The amount of lies told in this picture must number near the hundreds, and that's sales to David Mamet, "it's a tough racket." The movie adapted from the hard-hitting play is cynical, profane and sinisterly funny and known as sort of an acting showcase because of the stellar cast.

It's become a little dated, but it's still worth watching. I know just about every line of dialog. Maybe I shouldn't admit that. Jack Lemmon's Shelley Levine is a tragic character for the ages played with every ounce of dramatic tension Lemmon could muster; it was one of his last great roles.

Pacino's Ricky Roma is hilarious and often over-the-top Pacino-style. I love his scenes with Ed Harris, who as Moss is the sinister heart of the plot, and Pacino's silent moments are great like when he's listening to Levine tell his sale.

Kevin Spacey is a perfect Williamson, absorber of much abuse. Pacino shreds him repeatedly. Alec Baldwin's scene early in the film is the thing most people remember. It's darkly hilarious. And I can't forget Alan Arkin, the innocuous guy caught in between.

The way Moss reels him in is fascinating. Anyways, if you're not into Mamet you probably won't like it and may even be bored, but as for me it's one of my favorite flicks. "What's this toilet paper you're handing me?".