Review of The Spanish Prisoner (1997) by T M — 24 Apr 2006
David Mamet's quirky, particular writing style while often effective, gets lost in The Spanish Prisoner. The Spanish Prisoner is a sometimes deft con film that has Joseph Ross (Campell Scott) caught up in torrent of deception as he tries to protect a mathematical formula that is sure to secure his career.
Whats wrong with the script is it feels like it restricts the actors who are ultimately forgetable. It is extremely particular and makes the film very impersonal. The first half of the film is exceptional and engrossing despite this problem.
It raises a bevy of questions about trust and relationships, that are held for most of the movie. By the second half the film begins to dawdle however and gets tied up with spurious twists and turns. These ludacris developments serve for an extreme unpreditability that will have viewers wondering how far the film will go, rather then trying to reasonal the plot out.
This review of The Spanish Prisoner (1997) was written by T M on 24 Apr 2006.
The Spanish Prisoner has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
