Review of State and Main (2000) by Stuart K — 25 Mar 2009
From writer and director David Mamet, comes this all-star satire on the film industry, and the upheaval of getting a simple film made. It is a farce, both in terms of structure and the situations our characters get into, but it makes for an enjoyable watch, and it's a bit of an underrated curiousity from the man who gave us Glengarry Glen Ross.
It has a film crew coming to the small town of Waterford, Vermont, after being driven out of their previous location in New Hampshire. The film is called 'The Old Mill', directed by Walt Price (William H.
Macy), written by Joseph Turner White (Philip Seymour Hoffman), produced by Marty Rossen (David Paymer), and starring womaniser Bob Barrenger (Alec Baldwin) and the timid Claire Wellesley (Sarah Jessica Parker).
Unfortunately, the town's mill burnt down in 1960, Barrenger is chasing local flirts, and the locals, including wannabe congressman Doug Mackenzie (Clark Gregg), waitress Carla (Julia Stiles) and Mayor George Bailey (Charles Durning), take advantage of Hollywood coming to town.
It's a low-key affair from Mamet, who usually makes films with a darker edge than this, but it's nicely done, and deserves a look in. It's cast shine, and it's got very witty dialogue, and you can feel what the film crew are going through.
Give this one a try.
This review of State and Main (2000) was written by Stuart K on 25 Mar 2009.
State and Main has generally received positive reviews.
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