You'll be hard-pushed to find a film with a better selection of power-house top drawer acting than Glengarry Glen Ross. This truly is an actors films if ever there was one. While the storyline isn't overly interesting, the chief selling point of this film is in the performances. Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Kevin Spacey, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, Alec Baldwin and Jonathan Pryce are all excellent in characterisations that are multi-layered and believable. In particular it's great to see Lemmon in such a raw role, he pulls it off immaculately; while Baldwin proves he's got more talent than you might expect in an explosive ten minute appearance. Writer David Mamet has to be given a lot of credit here in providing all of the actors with a strong script to work off in the first place. The film is full of profanity-laden tough talking by men seemingly on the edge of nervous breakdowns. The general atmosphere of the film is one of hopelessness and despair. It's not exactly a happy ride but it is a satisfying one. This is undoubtedly not a film that will appeal to everyone, seeing as it's theatrical trappings and dialogue-driven narrative will not be to all tastes. Although despite the limited locations, the film is well shot and lit, while the jazz score gives it a mournful mood that adds a lot to proceedings.
Overall a very impressive emsemble piece. If you appreciate plays then this is a really good example of a cinematic presentation of such. It's more about acting and writing than cinema but don't let that put you off.
Overall a very impressive emsemble piece. If you appreciate plays then this is a really good example of a cinematic presentation of such. It's more about acting and writing than cinema but don't let that put you off.