Absolute perfection (Glengarry Glen Ross (DVD))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Glengarry Glen Ross (DVD)
Date:	11/09/09 (2 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Acting, directing, writing

Disadvantages: None

note: also appears in part on Flixster and The Student Room

David Mamet is a man very famous for his films and stage plays, which notably have an array of witty dialogue, and more famously, are filled with more profanity than a few episodes of the Sopranos! Glengarry Glen Ross is an adaptation of Mamet's own prize winning stage play of the same name, and is a stunning film that stands on its own as one of the few films that is a triumph in direction, writing and performances - this is one of the best films of all time, and deserved so much more Oscar glory than it got.

The film revolves around a number of estate agents who are struggling to meet the targets set by their bosses. Alec Baldwin shows up in a fantastic cameo as he berates the ageing agents, insisting that they make the grade or "hit the bricks". He says that whoever wins a contest of making the most sales will win a Cadillac, whoever finishes second gets some steak knives, and everyone else loses their jobs.

From here we meet the estate agents themselves and see what's in their heads. Ricky Roma (Al Pacino) is a slick philosopher who likes to simply experience things, and his casual charm pays off, as he is one of the more successful salesmen with his persuasiveness and cheeky smile. Shelley "The Machine" Levene (Jack Lemon, in his best late performance) plays an ageing man whose talents are not what they used to be, and with his daughter ill needing treatment, he desperately needs money for her treatment. Kevin Spacey also makes an early appearance as a pesky and uptight office supervisor, whilst Ed Harris and Alan Arkin play two men planning to steal the new "Glengarry" leads and make a mint.

A superbly written, expertly acted film that intrigues throughout whilst remaining devilishly funny, Glengarry Glen Ross is a clever and extremely pessimistic and cynical film about the nature of man and our natural greed. This is worth watching if only for the tour de force of performances and writing.

Summary: Short, sweet, and superb