“Glengarry Glen Ross” (1992) written by David Mamet, directed by James Foley, starring Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey, Jonathan Pryce and Alec Baldwin / Z-View

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

Director: James Foley

Screenplay: David Mamet; based on his play Glengarry Glen Ross

Stars: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey, Jonathan Pryce, Bruce Altman, Jude Ciccolella and Alec Baldwin.

Tagline: Lie. Cheat. Steal. All in a day’s work.

The Plot…

Richard “Ricky” Roma, George Aaronow, Shelley “The Machine” Levene, and Dave Moss are real estate salesmen in a small office for a company that makes big promises. Despite lies and questionable tactics by all the men, sales are down.   Of late only Ricky Roma has been able to close deals.

With one week in the month left, the office manager John Williamson, says that the company is sending in Blake, their top salesman to inspire them.  Blake arrives and immediately begins talking.  Blake insults and attacks each worker’s salemenship and manhood.  Blake says that in one week, the top saleman for the office will win a car.  Second place gets a set of steak knives.  Third and fourth place winners will be fired.

And he’s serious.

Blake then leaves.  Ricky, George, Shelley, and Dave Moss are shocked.  Then angry.  Each man complains that the leads Williamson gives them are crap.  The leads have been repeatedly used.  The people on the leads have no money or no interest and have been called on several times.  Williamson doesn’t disagree.  You get what you get.  BUT, the two men show survive the month will next month get new leads.  These leads will be for the new  Glengarry development.

The Glengarry development is sweet.  It almost sells itself.  Those leads are worth their weight in gold.

Ricky is in a great position to win the car.  George, Shelley and Dave are all in danger of losing their jobs.  Each man has reason to do whatever it takes to survive.

And one will.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Al Pacino was nominated for a 1993 Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

Jack Lemmon gives the performance of a lifetime.  Same could be said for Alec Baldwin.  Kudos also to Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey and Jonathan Pryce who more than hold their own.

Glengarry Glen Ross is a showcase for great acting.  Jack Lemmon said Glengarry Glen Ross featured the greatest acting ensemble he had ever been part of.  High praise indeed.

Glengarry Glen Ross gets my highest recommendation.

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) rates 5 of 5 stars.