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David Mamet's famous Broadway play is known for being an intense character study coupled within a pressure-cooker of emotions. James Foley's film is also written by Mamet and is no different when it comes to exemplifying raw sentiment estate agents feel in the cutthroat industry of selling property. The script is obviously a stage translation, but the powerhouse performances of the all-star ensemble: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Kevin Spacey, Ed Harris, Alec Baldwin and Alan Arkin are utterly dazzling and make for a mesmerising film. Lemmon in particular is terrific as Shelley "The Machine" Levene, an old timer with previous glories in the sales business, he is desperate for more success with the mediocre leads he is given. Lemmon's interaction with his boss (Spacey) is first-rate as they undertake a memorable scene in a car with the screen legend pleading with the then relatively inexperienced film actor for better prospects to survive in his job. Arkin's character is also very depressed and unmotivated with the every-man-for-himself philosophy but Pacino's Ricky Roma and Harris's Dave Moss are the salesmen who really will literally lie, cheat, steal or embark on any other unethical acts ranging from flattery, bribery, threats, intimidation or burglary in order to gain signatures. Pacino's acting with a sobered up Jonathan Pryce is a showcase in naturalistic expression as cinema's greatest shouter initiates yet another trademark rant to maximum effect. However, it's probably Alec Baldwin's specifically written part for the film version of the material that is the most quoted monologue from Foley's effort as it sets the tone for the whole film. Baldwin's controlled piece starts the constant profanity and the very real threat of unemployment which inevitably greets all non-closers.
One can realise how, even when certain actors were not needed on the set, they still turned up to witness the powerhouse exertions of eloquence and delivery � sometimes it feels as though the extremely talented cast are competing with each other in between the necessary haze of high-tempo cursing. Foley directs the couple of days in the office's life satisfactorily but this is the cast's film. The meaty lines make the transition from stage to screen excellently and the frailty of the human psyche is explored at both the very negative, and the moderately successful periods in the lives of anxious men wonderfully. A fine line really is drawn between a Cadillac and joblessness at Premiere Properties.
The extras
The James Foley commentary is not full-length but rather his enthralling thoughts on particular scenes. This is disappointing, but along with Baldwin and Arkin also contributing to selected scenes, the individual efforts are recommended. The "A.B.C. Always Be Closing" featurette is a very nice and in-depth 30 minute look at being a salesman featuring varied real-life and media contributors and references. The short documentary of a famous salesman, J. Roy, is a fascinating look behind the scenes of the profession but the "Tribute to Jack Lemmon" is the showstopper because of the amusing anecdotes included in the 30 minute feature from people who knew the late actor best. The Lemmon feel continues with his appearance on The Charlie Rose Show, and Kevin Spacey reads a script with a fan on Inside the Actor's Studio to round off the features. The booklet is excellent, acting as a definitive guide to the film's production and stars. The lack of deleted scenes, a full commentary and involvement from more of the stars causes the package to only partially deliver however.
The summary
Unforgettable dialogue, acting and realism, James Foley and David Mamet produce a classic which illustrates the problems of so many individuals everyday.
