Director James Foley, working with a highly resonant screenplay by David Mamet, here brings a palpable cinematic tension to what could have become a dry, theatrical piece.
Rarely moving outside the Chicago real-estate office where four salesmen are under pressure to sell more or lose their jobs, the film speaks forcefully about decency being snuffed out by desire, good men taking wrong turnings despite their best efforts and the stench of the American Dream gone mad.
Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alan Arkin and Ed Harris give note-perfect ensemble performances, Alec Baldwin appears in a telling cameo and there’s a major early role for Kevin Spacey.
Ricky Roma
Al Pacino
Shelley ‘The Machine’ Levene
Jack Lemmon
Blake
Alec Baldwin
Dave Moss
Ed Harris
George Aaronow
Alan Arkin
John Williamson
Kevin Spacey
James Lingk
Jonathan Pryce
Director
James Foley
