DVD Review: "Glengarry Glenross"

Starring Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, Kevin Spacey, and Jonathan Pryce. Directed by James Foley. Based on the play by David Mamet.

WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT. You have been warned.

If you ever thought your job was stressful, you've never worked for Rio Rancho Estates (salespeople excluded from this). Rio Rancho salesmen have been hit hard, with the only salesman with outstanding status being Ricky Roma (Pacino). When corporate head honcho Alec Baldwin comes down and tells them they have only one week to prove they can keep their jobs, the pressure begins mounting as their sales leads are complete bunk. If they can close a sale they'll be offered one of the new "Glengarry" leads, which came down from the head company and are almost assured sales. These are being kept locked-away by Mitch & Murray office lackey Williamson (Spacey). Under desperation, Ed Harris comes up with a plan to steal the leads and sell them to Graf, who will offer $5,000. Trouble comes when the next morning the leads are gone, and everyone is under scrutiny.

What was interesting to me were the links that they would go to for sales: cold-calling, showing up on people's doorsteps, calling and promising a "hot new venture" that the person just won. I've done a little bit of sales in my lifetime and I can tell ya, I could never be one of these guys. Then again, that's probably why I'm not in sales.

While the above is a fair sketch of the events, what this film is about is the performances. This movie is a rare moment when an ensemble cast MAKES the film ("L.A. Confidential" being another great example). Although the dialog is heavy the camerawork as well as the editing pays off making the film move along at a steady, but quick, pace. Each actor inhibits a character that you can understand; maybe not like, but understand.

As for the actors, there is no one certain actor that I didn't like or feel that was wasted. Alec Baldwin is great as the "ultimate salesman" who, in just one scene, sets the tone for what's going on. Equally great is Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon, both of whom stay on the screen for the longest time.

I had this movie on my "get around to watching" list, and I'm finally glad I did. I picked up the "10^th Year Anniversary Special Edition," which includes both the widescreen and fullscreen versions of the film. Also included is a tribute to Jack Lemmon, "Actor's Studio" clip with Kevin Spacey ("Go to lunch!"), Charlie Rose interview with Jack Lemmon, production notes, cast and crew biographies, and commentary by James Foley, as well as separate commentaries from Alec Baldwin, Alan Arkin, etc.

If you're in the mood for a stage play turned movie, or a look into the world of sales, or even an ensemble cast movie, check this one out.

By the way, the title comes from the fact that "Glengarry" is a great lead, while "Glenross" was a bad real estate deal.