OK, I must preface this by saying that I've spent a lot of time in New England. New Hampshire, even, and Vermont. And as a satire / comedy (not always the same thing) I have to say that I enjoyed David Mamet's movie State and Main thoroughly and on a level that he was probably trying to accomplish.
Those people not familiar with some of the nuances and stereotypes of New England Yankees will probably find this movie somewhat funny and eccentric, but not a laugh riot.
What's good:
-- The cast. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rebecca Pidgeon and David Paymer are the highlights.
-- The script. Enhances the cast. A little stylized (what are you going to do, it's Mamet) but beautiful in the way it sets up characters that are multi-dimensional with a minimum of dialogue. The actors take it from there. Also, I loved the way that Mamet doesn't feel the need to explain or justify every eccentricity he puts on screen.
-- The satire. Not the same as comedy per se, but occasionally very funny. Takes on both moviemaking and New England; those that are familiar with either one will love it.
What's not good:
-- The humor can be pretty inside. Not everyone thinks beyond-stereotype parodies of old stationmasters is the stuff of comedy.
But overall: see the film! It's a lovely piece of work.
John Trainer
| David Mamet |
