Rating- * * * * (4/5)
This film probably deserves a better rating than I’m giving it, but as much as it pains me to say so, it may have been a little over my head. This is the newest film from director David Mamet who is renowned for his witty dialogue and intelligent plotlines. The story follows a retiring criminal played by Gene Hackman who is blackmailed into one last job by a sleazy racketeer played by Danny DeVito. The film opens with Hackman and his crew, which includes Delroy Lindo, Rebecca Pidgeon, and the incomparable Ricky Jay, perpetrating an almost perfect jewelry store robbery. It is clear during the robbery that Hackman is getting a little too old for his job when he accidentally takes his mask off in front of the security camera. Unfortunately for him, Danny DeVito has him right where he wants him and forces Hackman into a very difficult robbery of a plane in which he has only minutes between the loading of the plane and take-off. Although it may seem like a heist film, this is actually a modern incarnation of the classic film noir. It has all the elements, including several fake deaths, countless changes of allegiance, and, of course, a femme fatale. Also characteristic of film noir is David Mamet’s witty and poignant dialogue, which is the part I think may have gone over my head. There are some jokes in this movie that have been described by other critics as some of the funniest lines in movie history that I don’t get at all. But that is not the movie’s problem, it’s my problem. The story is fantastic, although a little difficult to keep up with because of all the turnabout and betrayal, and the acting is first class. Apparently, you have to be very smart and savvy to get the humor but other than that it is a really great film and will be particularly loved by fans of film noir.