Thursday, December 31, 2009

Always Be Closing

Glengarry Glen Ross Don't you hate it when you miss a great movie? For whatever reason, it escapes your radar. You hear people say, "Oh yeah, that's a great movie," and you try to remember to pick it up at some point, but keep forgetting.

That is what happened to me with "Glengarry Glen Ross." It was released in 1992...at least I can say that I managed to watch it in this decade! Recently, I've been reminded of the movie by Detroit Mark and Darren (we share similar tastes in movies, and I trust their judgment), as well as a piece on "60 Minutes" in which they interviewed Alec Baldwin. Baldwin, as Blake, has only one scene in the entire movie...but it is definitely a memorable one, including this gem:

Dave Moss: What's your name?
Blake: Fuck you. That's my name.

This movie immediately shot onto my list of all-time favorites. I'm usually not a fan of "talky" movies (I don't want any smartasses commenting on my age and mentioning silent movies, okay? Okay.), and this is definitely a talky movie. But the dialogue is so fascinating and compelling, delivered by characters like the smooth-talking but desperate Levene*, an aging salesman who is trying to hang onto his job. If I ever get a chance to see the play of this, I will jump at it, because I'm sure the play version would be even more intense. The characters and the actors in the movie version are just...perfection.

Glengarry Glen Ross2 Don't believe me? Here are the main actors in this movie: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, and Kevin Spacey. I adore each and every one of these guys as actors, and they are all incredible here. Pacino won the Oscar for best supporting actor for this movie, but I think each of them deserved such an award—what an incredible cast. I was amazed and riveted, whether the conversation was intense and heated, or cold and calculating. I know that there were a few times when I sort of laughed in delight at a particularly well-done scene or turn of phrase or delivery. I was blown away. I won't put up the longer Alec Baldwin "motivational speech" (although it's worth a look if you get a chance), but instead will put up an excellent Al Pacino rant. [Warning: language content.] Thanks for the recommendation, Darren and Mark. It was well-warranted, and you gained even more credibility as movie buddies. :)

Just remember: it takes brass balls to sell real estate.

*Trivia note: Although Jack Lemmon plays "Shelley" Levene here, Alan Arkin played Sheldon, a.k.a. Shelly, in another of my favorite movies, "The In-Laws." Peter Falk's character utters the immortal line, "Serpentine, Shelly, serpentine!"

10 comments:

  1. We are ending the year on great movies, with a huge backlog for 2010 :o)

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  2. I'll have to look it up. Definitely a great cast of actors.

    Have a wonderful loving, beautiful entry into the next decade dear friend. Happy New Years! (Hugs)Indigo

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  3. Much love, luck and laughter for you in 2010!

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  4. I love finding a new gem. Although I'm not sure that this one will be one I watch, it's always good to see someone else's viewpoint. Happy New Year to you and Ken!

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  5. Love.That.Film.


    Happy New year, Evil Twin!

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  6. EVERY BLESSING TO YOU AND KEN AS WE ENTER 2010...
    Much Love Sybil xx

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  7. Happy New Year! I saw Glen Garry on stage years ago, but never the movie. I'll have to check it out.

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  8. When I recieved Pecan Sandie and Lexxie a few years ago, we had the luck to see a local production of 'Glengarry' which refreshed the movie in my mind.

    If I could write like David Mahmet for an hour... he has such a 'New York' voice for the characters in his work...

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  9. I have seen that movie only once and it really blew me away. I really want to see it again. As I recall, it was very powerful and well done with great acting. I am also a fan of plays and I am sure the play will be even more interesting. They usually are just because they can be longer. But all in all great movie.

    Happy New Year to you and Ken! All the best. :)

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  10. Beth, now I know where the request for Glengarry Glen Ross come from! A couple of days ago, Stan asked if I had seen it, and I said no I hadn't, and he said I should put it on the Netflix list. His interest seemed oddly out of the blue. It is nice to finally have that missing piece of the puzzle.

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I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you?