The Spanish Prisoner

Rating:
Summary: dull acting, dry writing
Review: The plot was interesting, but it has to have been one of the dullest movies in a long time. The acting was flat with lines that are often cliched. I agree with previous reviewers that the actors seem as though they wish they were somewhere else. Especially irritating was the character of the young secretary. This film was a major disappointment that at first glance (and after reading reviews) seemed promising. Save your money.

Rating:
Summary: mamet is one of the greats
Review: i loved this movie. i was sitting in the cinema laughing my head off!it was so funny at the end-"do you have a dog called paddy?" etc..that has to be a classic line!

Rating:
Summary: Slow beginning but very intriguing
Review: This movie definitely starts slow, and I had a hard time understanding what was going on. But after watching long enough I couldn't stop watching because I was drawn in. It was very mysterious, and you never could tell who could be trusted. The plot takes many turns, and once you think you've got it figured out, you're surprised because you don't. This movie will really make you think. I think if you give this movie a chance, you will like it.

Rating:
Summary: Mamet's style is an aquired taste- try it!
Review: David Mamet puts all of the importance on the script. His style of direction demands that "acting" not get in the way of the words. To quote his book, "True and False", "...there is no character. Only lines on a page." Acting should be no more than reacting. He wants the audience to do the lion's share of the work in accepting and interpreting, thereby insuring a complete, provocative and memorable experience- either positive or negative. This, of course is going to be most evident in the films he writes *and* directs. In "The Spanish Prisoner", as in most films and plays he writes and/ or directs, the idea is to put the ordinary individual in extraordinary situations. Nothing more than true drama. The writing- unrefined, gritty language, reflects our own regular speech- the action of the story would likely be akin to our own. Again, true drama. Some people do not care for Mamet's style simply because they a) have to do a bit of work and interpret on their own, or b) they find the whole experience uncomfortable. Well, no one said art should be pretty, it simply has to reflect our own reactions as humans and, in essence, project the individuals reactions to the extraordinary. In my experience, there is simply no more perfect contemporary theatrical experience than can be supplied by Mamet's words and direction. "The Spanish Prisoner" is one of the best films I've seen in years (right up there with "Homicide" and "The Water Engine"). By "best", I mean effective. It stays with you and evokes an emotional response...and, ultimately, isn't that what art is for?

Rating:
Summary: Excellent writing and acting
Review: Man, I loved this movie. It's the first David Mamet movie I've ever seen that has no swearing, which works surprisingly well. The pace is slow, and there's no violence to speak of, so if that seems off-putting to you, don't bother watching it. But if you like films with lots of well-written dialogue and interesting characters, give it a shot.

Rating:
Summary: Overrated
Review: With a self consciously "quirky" script and some really bad acting by Campbell Scott, "The Spanish Prisoner" is a movie that might have worked given more subtle writing, and better lead acting.

Still this one created a major buzz on the so called "independent" film circuit in 1998. Steve Martin gives a very credible performance, but there is really not enough here to warrant a viewing if you have not seen it already.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful movie that the average person probably wont like
Review: This movie starts out slow, but builds as it goes on. As usual, Mamet's dialogue will probably drive some people crazy. And his girlfriend puts in a very very weak performance. But people who won't be rushing out to see the latest Hollywood block buster will enjoy the many plot twists in this movie, some of which are obvious, others you won't see coming. The mere fact that the centerpiece of the story ["the formula"] is never revealed will probably also annoy many viewers. Ignore those people who gave this 1 or 2 stars, they are the folks who would give something like the latest Bruce Willis film 5 out of 5. If your a Steve Martin fan, you may be disapointed to see him in a serious dramatic role.

Highly Recommended, also be sure to see Mamet's House of Games if you enjoyed Spanish Prisoner

Rating:
Summary: Should have stayed as a play...
Review: I found this movie predictable, horribly acted, and not worth the time. Most of the actors (especially Steve Martin) have this look that they would rather be somewhere else and were reading the lines straight from the script. The plot itself was easily predictable and it was obvious where it was headed. The scenery was horrible and looked as if it came right from the stage. As a play this would be an excellent way to spend some time. As a movie? Horrible.

Rating:
Summary: A movie full of twists ...
Review: Not only was it fun to see Steve Martin in a role completely out of character, but the twists and turns kept me guessing. Those "critics" who didn't even wait until the end to see how it wrapped itself up missed the most interesting--and most enjoyable--part. All in all, it was a great movie that I would love to see again, especially now that I know where it's heading.

Rating:
Summary: You have to think hard but....
Review: I think the movie was ingenious. It seems that the critics here at Amazon don't all agree, but I take the side of those who enjoyed "The Spanish Prisoner." It is confusing and you absolutely cannot drift because every detail counts, but it's well worth it. Of course, if you're looking for suspense this is not for you. Furthermore, the acting talent is mixed: Steve Martin is fantastic, but the girlfriend character is atrocious (though she deals with the part well enough). Finally, for those who said it was transparent, I would suggest that they turn off their x-ray vision. All in all a good movie.