Many thanks to William for pointing out that the trailer for Stuart Gordon's Edmond is now online.
On the surface this appears to be an odd one ... what on earth is the director of Re-Animator doing directing a script by David Mamet? But it's pretty simple, really, with Gordon and Mamet going way back to their early days in the theater and Edmond being a porject Gordon has long been trying to get off the ground. The cast for this is spectacular - William H Macy in the lead is enough to get my attention - and all reports are that this is the angry Mamet of his youth as opposed to the slightly more subdued version kicking around these days.
Those of you making the trip to Fantasia - and why wouldn't you? - should note that Gordon will be presenting the film in person as part of the Fantasia program on July 23rd.
Edmond Website
Edmond Trailer (downloadable Quicktime)
It's not that surprising a choice for Gordon. He has done dark character stuff before (KING OF THE ANTS) and this is going to some very, very dark places. Can't wait for this to get a DVD release!
I got the chance to see the movie last year at a film festival in Oslo, Norway. What got me interested was David Mamet, as I'm a big fan of his work as a writer. And the movie is tremendous. Macy does his best performance ever and the story is perfectly told; sad, dark, funny, but in many ways important. Great film. Can't wait to see it again.
(excuse my not so good english)
Mamet subdued nowadays?His underated Spartan kicked ass.Plus I love how not once did he mention the daughter that got kidnapped belonged to the president.(even though it was obvious it was the US presidency he was writing about)A lesser writer wouldn't be able to do that.
Saw this last year in Venice. Ok, but predictable.
Have to agree with Nitty there. Spartan is anything but subdued, solid craftsmanship on that film, and yes, a tad underrated. This seems to be a thing for not only Mamet, but Val Kilmer as of late. Several very solid Kilmer-starring films which have been all but buried: The Salton Sea, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and Spartan.
I certainly don't mean any insult to Mamet when I say he's been a little more subdued of late. There's no doubt he's one of the finest American playwrights and screenwriters of all time and he doesn't show any sign of slowing down. I just think the raw anger of things like Glengarry Glen Ross seems to be dissipating a bit as he ages. That said I haven't seen Spartan yet.
I saw this at its U.K. premier in London after an introduction and Q @ A session with Stewart Gordon. I have to say the film is a rather disturbing journey into the mind of a man on the edge of finding his inner truth.
There was a discussion at the end as to wether the film had a positive or sad ending, but what was overwhelmingly agreed, was that the film is a must see.
Once again this man has transgressed the mainstream, utalising many Hollywood stars within the text as well as exploring the rather personal journey within the American mans subconcious.