An inventor of a secret process suddenly finds himself alone as both his friends and the corporation he works for turn against him.
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Wuchak
6
By Wuchak
**_When you can’t trust anyone_**
Shot in September-October, 1996, this is a Hitchcockian corporate espionage drama/suspense thriller, written/directed by David Mamet. It’s reminiscent of “The Firm,” just meshed with elements of the future “Matchstick Men.” While it’s not great like the former, it’s almost on par with the latter.
I find it the least of ’em because, although Rebecca Pidgeon is effective in the part of Susan, the role called for someone more alluring from the late ’90s, such as Marisa Tomei, Monica Bellucci, Salma Hayek, Yasmine Bleeth, Kate Winslet or Rachel Weisz. But that’s more of a cavil. The real issue is how unrealistic the story gets in the last act. I was ready for the spy inanities of “You Only Live Twice” to break out (speaking as a fan of that Bond flick).
Still, it’s worth checking out for those interested. Mamet’s entertaining dialogues are worth the price of admission. Meanwhile Steve Martin works well in a rare serious role and Campbell Scott is good as the every-man protagonist. Watch for Ed O'Neill in a surprise cameo.
It runs 1 hour, 50 minutes, and was shot in Islamorada, Florida; Manhattan; and the Boston area.
GRADE: B-
