Screenwriter David Mamet, in adapting his stage play, takes us on a deliberately discomfiting journey along with a character who is both easy to understand, in one sense, and impossible to completely sympathize with. That makes this appropriate cinematic material for the late, celebrated cult filmmaker Stuart Gordon, who sometimes told stories where the sense of morals could be skewed. With the balance of the film taking place mostly during one long night, it ends up asking some serious questions of all of us and the world in general. What DOES it all mean?
William H. Macy is exceptionally good in the lead role. Edmond Burke leads a dull nine-to-five life, working in an office building. One night after work, he decides to visit a fortune teller (Frances Bay) who simply tells him "you are not where you belong". That night, he makes the fateful decision to turn his back on his wife (Rebecca Pidgeon, a.k.a. Mrs. David Mamet) and his life, and wanders the seedy underbelly of the city. In the process, he becomes both victim and victimizer. And yet, as time goes on, he actually begins to be more content with how things have unfolded.
A steady parade of familiar faces turn up, some of them quite briefly. Standouts are an appealing Julia Stiles as a waitress / actress, and a typically fine Joe Mantegna as a stranger in a bar. But make no mistake: this is Macy's film, and he really takes the bull by the horns here. Edmond is determined to "let it all out" for the first time in his life, and the character is obviously going to be a major bone of contention for some viewers. Admittedly, it can be difficult following the progress of this kind of person when they can be prone to say and do vile things. But Macy makes this man compelling, and believable. (He was also in good shape for a man of his age.)
If you're a fan of Macy, Mamet, or Gordon (and are particularly interested in checking out Gordons' non-horror work), then check this one out. You'll find that it's an experience not easily forgotten.
Seven out of 10.
William H. Macy is exceptionally good in the lead role. Edmond Burke leads a dull nine-to-five life, working in an office building. One night after work, he decides to visit a fortune teller (Frances Bay) who simply tells him "you are not where you belong". That night, he makes the fateful decision to turn his back on his wife (Rebecca Pidgeon, a.k.a. Mrs. David Mamet) and his life, and wanders the seedy underbelly of the city. In the process, he becomes both victim and victimizer. And yet, as time goes on, he actually begins to be more content with how things have unfolded.
A steady parade of familiar faces turn up, some of them quite briefly. Standouts are an appealing Julia Stiles as a waitress / actress, and a typically fine Joe Mantegna as a stranger in a bar. But make no mistake: this is Macy's film, and he really takes the bull by the horns here. Edmond is determined to "let it all out" for the first time in his life, and the character is obviously going to be a major bone of contention for some viewers. Admittedly, it can be difficult following the progress of this kind of person when they can be prone to say and do vile things. But Macy makes this man compelling, and believable. (He was also in good shape for a man of his age.)
If you're a fan of Macy, Mamet, or Gordon (and are particularly interested in checking out Gordons' non-horror work), then check this one out. You'll find that it's an experience not easily forgotten.
Seven out of 10.