Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

Based on a play of the same name, "Glengarry Glen Ross", a film with one of the best ensemble of actors to ever grace a single motion picture, chronicles the happenings during two days in the lives of four real estate salesmen working in the office of Mitch and Murray. The title comes from the names of two of real estate developments (Glengarry Highlands and Glen Ross Farms) that are included in the men's sales pitch. THE PLOT: It becomes obvious that all isn't well, when Blake (Alec Baldwin) is sent by the company one rainy night to give the guys a 'pep talk'! His talk is anything but encouraging as he unleashes a tirade of verbal abuse and demeans the guys. He warns them that they have to work much harder now and meet a deadline of sales (for which he announces three prizes), or they lose their jobs (that's the third prize!)! The film catches on from there, and we immediately start relating to the desperate situation these guys are in. CAST OF CHARACTERS: One guy who keeps himself busy making some sales at a local bar escapes Blake's fury. He is Ricky Roma (Al Pacino), top salesman so far, smooth-talking charmer, dishonest in his ways, yet one who has managed to make the most for the company. Others who seem to be at the struggling end of the job are: Dave Moss (Ed Harris): A feisty, loudmouthed individual with little respect for others. One who is always ready to point his fingers at others. George Aaronow (Alan Arkin): An aging, perpetually nervous guy, seems to be excessively dependant on his colleagues, in this case, Dave Moss, with whom he seems to second everything he says! He clearly lacks the ruthless aptitude required for the job of a salesman. Shelley "The Machine" Levene (Jack Lemmon): Perhaps a character you can relate to most of all. He is an aging, once successful and respected salesman who unfortunately has failed to upgrade his tactics with time and thus has practically lost his Midas touch. He is now a subject of ridicule by most, with the exception of Ricky Roma who is on good terms with him and respects him. Overlooking the activity and administering the sales leads is John Williamson (Kevin Spacey). He is clearly the most hated individual in the office. The salesmen waste no chance when it comes to disparaging him. Nonetheless the salesmen have to bank on him to provide them with good leads. HIGHLIGHTS OR WHY YOU MUST SEE THIS FILM! : I haven't seen the play, but this motion picture, adapted for the screen by the playwright himself (David Mamet) and directed by James Foley, is one of the most engaging pieces of cinema I've ever seen. This is one of those pictures that have to rely on: 1. The Actors 2. The Dialog In both these departments, "Glengarry Glen Ross" scores big time and quickly runs away with all the accolades. So what we have is 100 minutes of pure drama full of no-holds-barred, foul-mouthed, power-packed dialog, deliciously clever scenes, witty retorts and repartees and some of the most bravura acting from an all-male cast you may have had the fortune of seeing under one roof (er...one film that is!). Watch out for that unforgettable opening speech from Alec Baldwin. He appears only in that single scene and steals everyone's thunder like an angry lion! You almost feel it is you who is being ridiculed and you can immediately empathize with the meek salesmen who don't have a choice but to listen to him. Being a salesman is tough indeed and as he rightly puts: "You know what it takes to sell real estate? It takes brass balls to sell real estate." That scene drips brilliance in every frame and sets the stage for the goodies to follow. This could very well be the finest performance I've seen from Baldwin. The underrated Ed Harris who is always dependable but sadly overlooked throughout his career stands his ground with a sledgehammer act as Dave Moss, the man who is a creature of habit when it comes to disrespecting and blaming others for his shortcomings. Watch out for that outburst.."Fuck 'The Machine'!" Outstanding! Alan Arkin is superb as the dependant, clearly weaker salesman who acts as a yes-man to Harris' character. Watch out for that scene in which he seems to echo everything Moss says! Fabulous! Kevin Spacey, everyone's favourite who ensures he doesn't get lost amidst all the seniors in the acting business and stands tall as a worthy part of this ensemble cast. Al Pacino is his usual brilliant self and practically chews up every frame he is in with his effervescent performance. Some of the finest scenes include him using his tactics for convincing James Lingk (Jonathan Pryce) to buy from him and the scene in which he pulls no punches in supporting Shelley in a war of words. (Important trivia: Pacino was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this film. The same year, he won the Oscar for Best Actor for "Scent of a woman"! My votes would've definitely been reserved for the Supporting Actor Oscar!) Jack Lemmon: In what could be his least talked about yet one of his greatest performances, Lemmon outshines them all with his rendition of the meek yet ambitious Shelley Levine who is aware that he is past his prime, yet wants to desperately regain his reputation. His is the most heartbreaking performance of them all, as he struggles to balance his finances and take care of his ailing daughter, is constantly under pressure, yet musters up the jovial persona and the much needed energy when it comes to making a sale. Watch out for that single scene for which he deserves all the laurels when he visits a home to make a sale to a person who is clearly reluctant. We know this man isn't going to buy, Levine knows the man isn't going to buy, yet, in spite of several hints, Levine sticks to his energetic self and tries his level best..! With some great directing by James Foley and razor sharp editing by Howard E. Smith , "Glengarry Glen Ross" is a picture often passed by, begging to be seen by all serious film aficionados. I hope I have done an adequate job of "selling" this film and convincing you to rent this NOW!