Glengarry Glen Ross Details

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 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. You can only gawp at such ability.

A brilliant stage play seems a little claustrophobic on its transfer to the screen, but provides opportunities for some excellent acting.