"Spartan" (2004).

[Neville]

Has anybody seen this one? It is one of the best thrillers I've seen lately. Although it is a David Mamet film, don't expect smart dialogue or impossible plot twists here. Mamet seems very interested on noirs lately, and this one follows the same trail as his last film, "Heist". It doesn't try to stun the viewers or to be particularly smart, it simply tries to get the job done.

This said, "Spartan" is a terrific film. Most performances are underplayed, the viewer is never cheated, but only given the strictly necessary info (little names or backstories are heard), the filmmaking is sober and devoid of any flourishes, but at the same time the movie is involving and intriguing. I won't go into the plot, because it's really easy to spoil (I wouldn't read any summaries if I were you). And about the movie itself... It becomes quite hard to describe. Think of "Ronin" without car chases, or of "24" without parallel actions and breaknecking pace. Strange? Maybe. And surprinsingly good as well.

[Mr_Vindictive]

Neville,

I too was quite surprised at how good Spartan was.  It's tense, not action packed and entertaining throughout.

[Chopper]

I enjoyed Spartan also. I want to write a screenplay someday with similar characters (special forces-espionage types) but show more of the psychological effects the work has on people.

[Ash]

I just read Roger Ebert's review of it and he gave it 4 stars out of 4.
Go here to read it:
http://www.suntimes.com/ebert/ebert_reviews/2004/03/031206.html

I've seen this on the video store shelf but have yet to rent it.

Did this film skip theaters altogether and go straight to video?
You'd think that a film like this with A-list stars would've gotten a big nationwide release but that obviously didn't happen.

This will definitely be my next rental.



Post Edited (07-16-04 12:03)

[Chopper]

You know Ash i'm not too sure. I think it might have gotten a litte bit of a theatrical run, but I saw it at the theatre on base, nothing like standing at attention before you watch a film!

[Mr_Vindictive]

Ash it did have a pretty limited run at the theater.  I missed it when it was in theaters, and am quite glad that I caught it on DVD.  Quite a good flick.