Redbelt - Review

I agree with you on Chiwetel's execution, but I'll have to disagree with you on the script review. For the most part you're analysis sounds like a distaste for the sport instead of an accurate critical review in my opinion.

I'll agree with some of the events seeming off that would apply, but I think that's the point. It's an application of samurai principles in a modern day setting. These odd situations are there to help accentuate these principles in the modern day setting. In this case Hollywood and "getting paid" .

Mixed martial arts being of popularity that it is, it's this format of skill and physical representation that we're supposed to view the concept of "getting out of a situation and keeping your integrity and honor".

Granted it isn't the greatest, but with the leading actor, application of the sport and alignment of situations it puts forth the principles in such a way you don't quite see too often. In that I have to show some respect to the director.

I like Mamet's films in general. A rather banal point: I enjoy State and Main, and my own opinion of it would directly contradict Adam's opinion. I laugh, I cry, I make a little doo-doo. The two Mamet films that I've seen many times are State and Main, and Homicide. I would like to see a Criterion, or any decent release of Homicide on DVD.

The main thing about Mamet's films is that you won't necessarily catch everything the first time. I see that some other reviews that are just coming out accuse Redbelt of being nonsensical. With Mamet though, as with David Lynch, a nonsense-crier probably just isn't equipped to understand what they're seeing.

And....sadly...Mamet continues his march through obscurity...a place he seems oddly comfortable. I know artists some times can never match their early accomplishements...(this man's early works are genius)...but why work so hard at making yourself mediocre? Hell, what do I know...I'm sure he enjoys himself...he has the chance...hopefully one of these movies will be close to good.
And Spartan? I thought it was woefully amateurish, given who was involved in the project. (The scenes in the mansion, with the girl?) Looks like he might have used his house in Malibu to shoot those...)

Josh,

Nice summation of David Mamet's incredibly inconsistent career. I have not seen Redbelt, though I plan to. I wrote something similar while writing about the crapfest that is State and Main. Take a read:

Mamet is a writer/director who is consistent in his style but he is wildly inconsistent in the quality of his work. Let's take a look at the films Mamet has directed.

The Good:

House of Games--a classic which shows Mamet knows how to visualize his own tricks

The Winslow Boy--brilliant adaptation of the Rattigan play with a wealth of visual intelligence within the cramped setting of the play. also features what is easily Rebecca Pidgin's best performance. Northam and Hawthorne's performances are amazing.

Spartan--pleasantly surprised by how accomplished the action scenes are in this film. this is also a clever script and the pacing make this the most "alive" of all of Mamet's films.

Oleanna (Basically a filmed play but anyone who watches this will have a reaction. guaranteed. so in that sense it is a success.

The Mediocre:

The Spanish Prisoner--a little too clever for its own good and the ending is a total cheesefest. but it does pull you in and is engrossing until the ridiculous resolution

Things Change--Charming but in a thin way. Also lacks style and rhythm

The Bad:

State & Main--The idea itself is good and could have been comic gold if Mamet didn't insist on giving it his usual metronomic dialogue. If Mamet wanted it to be a satire he should have let his very talented cast cut loose and create truly funny caricatures of the various Hollywood types they play. Instead they look hamstrung by Mamet's paper thin notions of Hollywood types. He goes for the obvious at every turn and none of it is funny, original, or perceptive. The only clever bit was having the locals quote box-office numbers.

But the real problem with this movie is the directing. It is one of the most visually uninteresting movies I have ever seen. I don't mean that there has to be beautiful vistas all filmed at magic hour for a movie to be visually appealing. I just want the compositions to effect and enhance the story. There is none of that in State and Main. Every scene is shot in the same flat manner and even the lighting is poorly done.

The other problem with State and Main is that it has no rhythm. The scenes don't transition well which gives the whole movie a cut and paste feel.


Heist--Cliches without any sense of irony or depth. everyone seems to be coasting on this one except Rebecca Pidgin who tries really hard to be vampish to poor effect. easily her worst perormance)

Haven't seen Homicide.
I also must say that Glengarry Glen Ross is one of my favorite films. Mamet's best script, great performances by all, and James Foley's visual panache make it a classic.
Anyway good review but I still wanna see Redbelt.