Many posts say that lovers of theatre and actors will love this film. I am an actor and Professor of Theatre and I find this film uninvolving, pretentious and wordy. If I wanted my students to fall asleep or hate theatre, I would show this film to them.
Over time, these two actors, the old one and the young one take subtle pot shots at each other and the result is just an eye rolling who cares? The play references are obscure at best and Mamet's dialog simply lacks wit and ingenuity.
Lemmon will say something about the theatre and Broderick will say "yes." Then Lemon will say something else about the theatre and Broderick will say "yes" again. Ad nauseum.
Of course Mametphiles will say "brilliant... what subtext." I say mametshit.
Broderick and Lemmon play parts that don't change a hair in the course of the film. In the beginning of the film, Lemmon's character is sad and pedantic and Broderick a sponge. By the end of the film, Lemmon is sad and pedantic and Broderick a sponge. A colossal waste of time. If I as a theatre lover found it a yawner, I can't imagine anyone finding interest in this tawdry yak-fest.
Want a good film on the life in theatre? Stick to All About Eve, The Producers, Shakespeare in Love, Stage Door, Centerstage, Amadeus, and even The Bandwagon.
Over time, these two actors, the old one and the young one take subtle pot shots at each other and the result is just an eye rolling who cares? The play references are obscure at best and Mamet's dialog simply lacks wit and ingenuity.
Lemmon will say something about the theatre and Broderick will say "yes." Then Lemon will say something else about the theatre and Broderick will say "yes" again. Ad nauseum.
Of course Mametphiles will say "brilliant... what subtext." I say mametshit.
Broderick and Lemmon play parts that don't change a hair in the course of the film. In the beginning of the film, Lemmon's character is sad and pedantic and Broderick a sponge. By the end of the film, Lemmon is sad and pedantic and Broderick a sponge. A colossal waste of time. If I as a theatre lover found it a yawner, I can't imagine anyone finding interest in this tawdry yak-fest.
Want a good film on the life in theatre? Stick to All About Eve, The Producers, Shakespeare in Love, Stage Door, Centerstage, Amadeus, and even The Bandwagon.