Playing like a more philosophical version of FALLING DOWN (1993) but done on a more intimate scale, this character drama resolves itself into a series of interesting vignettes where a good cast is allowed to leave its mark: David Mamet (who wrote the script, based on his own play) regular Joe Mantegna and a surprising amount of female roles (including, as is his fashion, one for Mamet's wife Rebecca Pidgeon) - with the most impressive, perhaps, being Mena Suvari (as a high-class hooker) and Julia Stiles (as an aspiring actress doubling as a waitress). But, of course, it's William H. Macy's show all the way and he delivers a terrific performance - vulnerable and generally perplexed, yet capable of incredible and unexpected violent outbursts (even the subway scene, in which he verbally lashes out at a black woman who is unwilling to engage in a conversation with him, is priceless). Mamet deals with Fate and how it shapes someone's future in spite of oneself - as the motif of number 115 proves; still, the film's suggestion that Macy's character ultimately finds contentedness behind bars as a homosexual is baffling and somewhat alienating! All things considered, however, a good film - surprisingly but well handled by gore-meister Gordon - focused on telling its story vividly (the sleazy L.A. nightlife, which I saw a bit of while in Hollywood late last year{!}, providing an overpowering backdrop), concisely and, occasionally, with great power. The jazzy score is quite nice, too.
Review of Edmond
