Review of State and Main (2000) by Elliot G — 27 May 2008
Unlike other films about film production, like 'The Player' or 'Tristram Shandy', Mamet's film goes the extra step beyond simply saying 'it's a weird business', and adds 'it's a fucked up business, and it hurts people'.
The movie-within-a-movie idea comes into play towards the end, and the slow reveal doesn't really make sense, but it's still interesting. There's the typical Mamet dialogue, but with an assortment of atypical Mamet characters, especially Hoffman's character, this meek little tortured artist; very unlike Macy's hotshot or David Paymer's dickhead producer.
Great last line, too. Shows a significant step forward in Mamet's ambition and skill as a director.
This review of State and Main (2000) was written by Elliot G on 27 May 2008.
State and Main has generally received positive reviews.
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