Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

In cinematic history there are several movies that stand out for a certain reason; movies which you should see at least once in your life if you consider yourself a real film enthusiast. Because of their story, cinematography, acting and dialogue, controversy or sheer uniqueness, these movies command a special place in movie history. This movie is certainly one of them. David Mamet wrote the original play and the adaptation for the screen and he couldn’t have done a better job. As most adaptations from plays, this movie is heavily dialogue-driven and with this cast that is no punishment. You’re left breathless and in awe for the full 100 minutes.

Most movies that sport such an impressive cast as this one, tend to cave in under their own weight, as scripts rarely provide sufficient room for all actors to shine. In this movie, all main characters excel phenomenally. This is a real feast for people that love top-notch acting, as it doesn’t get any better than this. Rarely have I seen a movie where the performances of all the main characters are flawless and utterly convincing, not counting the more than brilliant extended cameo of Alec Baldwin. He epitomised the stereotype of the bastardly shark-like salesman, who’ll stop at nothing to pitch a sale. His character is somewhat reminiscent of that other ruthless bastard, Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) in the excellent Wallstreet. David Mamet specifically wrote the short part for Baldwin, scoring an absolute ace with his intimidating sales speech directed at the weary sales force.

However, it’s not only the performances which are commanding your attention, but also the simple yet brilliant story. The depiction of the washed-out sales force of a real estate firm and the tactics they resort to in order to close their deals, will seem familiar to everyone who has ever done hard sales. It’s all there: the cold fact of being just as good as your latest sale, the feeling of having lost the touch to close the deal, the desperation of this ongoing battle against unfavourable odds and unwilling prospects; enough to drive a person insane! All these feelings are superbly displayed by the different characters: Jack Lemmon’s Shelley is old and weary but desperately wants to get the money for his daughter’s operation. Ed Harris plays a frustrated and burnt-up salesman who aggressively blames everyone but himself for his failure. Alan Arkin’s George is insecurity incarnate and tends to bend with all winds, while Kevin Spacey gives body to the unfazed and cold-hearted corporate lackey. Finally, we have yet another riveting performance of Al Pacino, whose Ricky Roma possesses the gift of gab and is very successful with seemingly little effort. Nevertheless, his lucky streak also seems as fickle as the rest of the sales crew.

The first time when I saw this movie I was not as immensely impressed as I was after the later viewings. Mainly because I later learned myself what it is to be in sales and to find myself in the ‘trenches’ of this ruthless world. It’s then that you see the performances and situations are dead on right. It teaches also quite a bit about human nature and the ability to overcome your own fear and trepidation. The characters in this movie are difficult to sympathise with, but that is because they remind us of our weaknesses and reluctance to bend our own morals if the situation asks for it. The performances of the actors put vibrant life in these characters, so you cannot stay untouched. The pace of the terrific dialogue, the explosive chemistry between the actors and an excellent score that seems barely noticeable yet relentlessly propels the intensity higher and higher: they all add to this masterpiece and makes you forget that you’re basically watching a screened play.

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