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Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, Kevin Spacey ... see more see more... , Alec Baldwin , Jonathan Pryce , Bruce Altman , Jude Ciccolella , Paul Butler , Lori Tan Chinn , Neal Jones

David Mamet's award-winning play about a group of desperate real estate agents comes to the big screen from director James Foley. In a role created specifically for the movie, Alec Baldwin appears as ... read more read more...a sales motivator, informing the group of hard-luck salesmen that they must compete in a sales contest where the losers will be fired. The agents work their same tired leads, until one hatches a scheme to burglarize the office, steal the leads, and sell them to a rival. Featuring a cast that includes Al Pacino as the office's sales leader, Jack Lemmon as an elderly loser, Alan Arkin and Ed Harris as frustrated salesmen, Kevin Spacey as the harassed office manager, and Jonathan Pryce as a client, Glengarry Glen Ross is, at its core, a character study about a group of men whose time has passed. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi

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R, 1 hr. 40 min.

Directed by: James Foley

Release Date: September 29, 1992

Keywords: media

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DVD Release Date: February 20, 2007

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Flixster Reviews (2,946)

  • cosmo313
    May 20, 2012
    cosmo313
    Taking place over the course of roughly 18 hours in mostly one location, this is the film adaptation of David Mamet's award winning play about down and out guys in the cutthroat and cruel world of salesman. It's basically Death of a Salesman, but with tons of profanity.

    It's no... read moret a gimmicky sort of thing, though. This is a very sharp, intelligent, and gripping story wherre language and talk are vital for survival. There's really not much of a plot: a group of desperate salesman struggle to make sales at the risk of losing their jobs, and some precious leads they were competing for get stolen. That's pretty much it in terms of surface.

    The film isn't really all that cinematic, though the cinematography is pretty good. The film is reall all about the writing and acting, and that's where the brilliance in this film lies. Mamet wrote the script based on his play (and many feel the screenplay is better), and director James Foely got one of the greatest cast assembled to act it out. It's one of the most distinguished, notable, and acclaimed casts ever: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, Kevin Spacey, Alec Baldwin (in a role made just for the film), and Jonathan Pryce.

    Thinking about the talent involved here drives me up a wall. It's amazing to see so many great people working together to make an excellent piece of work. All of the actors knock it out of the park, with Baldwin basically al,ost stealing the show with one of the greatest cameos appearances ever. He plays a guy hired to motivate workers, and his speech to get the salesmen fired up is one of the most intense, biting, and memorable scenes ever. Baldwin basically channelled the opening scene from Patton and added more bile and villainy. It's a scene that'll blow you away.

    Since the fil mis all about the writing, I guess I need to mention it slightly in detail. The script is one of the best ever. I personally felt that it started to slip somewhat during the lat several minutes (hence only 4.5 stars), but that's just a personal issue. Aside from that, this really sings. True, some character are fleshed out mroe than others, but all are more than just a thinly outlined sketch. I've seen some profane films, some more vulgar than this, but here's a testament to Mamet's skills: even though this isn't the most profane film ever, it has far more power and impact than almost all other films that top it for total number of cursewords. That really says something when someone as desensitized as me can still be stirred by someone using profanity liberally.

    It's an art form. I can't explain how it works or how he does it, but when Mamet writes swears (and other discourse involving language and its power) it just sings...and stings. I am really in awe.

    This is a top notch piece of work, and I love how even though it is minimalist, it still manages to say and do so much. That's something I really admire. Yes, I wish all of the characters could have been equally fleshed out, but at least no one delivers less than their best where the acting is concerned. The ending did leave me slightly underwhelmed, but it didn't ruin things, so it's not too big a deal.

    By all means go out and see this film already. It's one of the greats.
  • MrMarakai
    February 17, 2012
    MrMarakai
    Writer David Mamet is known for his sharp and natural dialogue but when you combine this with sharp and natural actors, you get nothing less than an intense and searing drama where every word sizzles and every performance lights up the screen. It's a perfect match.
    Set entirely ... read morewithin the office of a handful of real estate salesmen, where business is tough and the threat of unemployment looms. The ruthless boss has them all competing with one another and the prize of a Cadillac for finishing top of the leader board. The bottom of the board, however, will be fired. This leads the desperate men to pull out all the stops in swindling their way to safety.
    First of all, have a look at the cast and ask yourself... Does this look good? The answer is a resounding, Yes! The line-up itself is enough to sell this film and despite having a dodgy title, the cast do not disappoint. This is the type of film that allows you to appreciate good acting. Based on David Mamet's Pulitzer prize winning stageplay, it's a very basic premise... One room; Six greed infused salesman; Limited jobs. The perfect melting pot for top actors at the top of their game to spout profanities and act their little cotton socks off. The world that these vile characters inhabit and the cruel and manipulative way in which they operate is torturously played out. There really are no depths as to which these people will not stoop. Not only do they vie to take money from unsuspecting, ordinary people, they vie to outdo each other. Ensembles like this are few and far between and, as always, Al Pacino is great but it's Jack Lemmon who really shows his class, as the desperate, bumbling fool who has past his best in this cut-throat business. A 10min cameo from Alec Baldwin though, almost steals the show, informing us of what's needed to sell Real Estate... "Brass Balls".
    Like being able to sit back, in the comfort of your own home, and view a marvellous ensemble as if being treated to a night at the theatre. If you appreciate great actors working with great dialogue, then this is one of the best.
    Top Quality.
  • fb7018436
    December 17, 2011
    fb7018436
    The good news is you're fired
  • gokhale1
    March 16, 2011
    gokhale1
    Based on a play of the same name, "Glengarry Glen Ross", a film with one of the best ensemble of actors to ever grace a single motion picture, chronicles the happenings during two days in the lives of four real estate salesmen working in the office of Mitch and Murray. The title... read more comes from the names of two of real estate developments (Glengarry Highlands and Glen Ross Farms) that are included in the men's sales pitch.


    THE PLOT:

    It becomes obvious that all isn't well, when Blake (Alec Baldwin) is sent by the company one rainy night to give the guys a 'pep talk'! His talk is anything but encouraging as he unleashes a tirade of verbal abuse and demeans the guys. He warns them that they have to work much harder now and meet a deadline of sales (for which he announces three prizes), or they lose their jobs (that's the third prize!)! The film catches on from there, and we immediately start relating to the desperate situation these guys are in.


    CAST OF CHARACTERS:

    One guy who keeps himself busy making some sales at a local bar escapes Blake's fury.

    He is Ricky Roma (Al Pacino), top salesman so far, smooth-talking charmer, dishonest in his ways, yet one who has managed to make the most for the company.

    Others who seem to be at the struggling end of the job are:

    Dave Moss (Ed Harris): A feisty, loudmouthed individual with little respect for others. One who is always ready to point his fingers at others.

    George Aaronow (Alan Arkin): An aging, perpetually nervous guy, seems to be excessively dependant on his colleagues, in this case, Dave Moss, with whom he seems to second everything he says! He clearly lacks the ruthless aptitude required for the job of a salesman.

    Shelley "The Machine" Levene (Jack Lemmon): Perhaps a character you can relate to most of all. He is an aging, once successful and respected salesman who unfortunately has failed to upgrade his tactics with time and thus has practically lost his Midas touch. He is now a subject of ridicule by most, with the exception of Ricky Roma who is on good terms with him and respects him.

    Overlooking the activity and administering the sales leads is John Williamson (Kevin Spacey). He is clearly the most hated individual in the office. The salesmen waste no chance when it comes to disparaging him. Nonetheless the salesmen have to bank on him to provide them with good leads.


    HIGHLIGHTS OR WHY YOU MUST SEE THIS FILM! :

    I haven't seen the play, but this motion picture, adapted for the screen by the playwright himself (David Mamet) and directed by James Foley, is one of the most engaging pieces of cinema I've ever seen. This is one of those pictures that have to rely on:

    1. The Actors

    2. The Dialog

    In both these departments, "Glengarry Glen Ross" scores big time and quickly runs away with all the accolades. So what we have is 100 minutes of pure drama full of no-holds-barred, foul-mouthed, power-packed dialog, deliciously clever scenes, witty retorts and repartees and some of the most bravura acting from an all-male cast you may have had the fortune of seeing under one roof (er...one film that is!).


    Watch out for that unforgettable opening speech from Alec Baldwin. He appears only in that single scene and steals everyone's thunder like an angry lion! You almost feel it is you who is being ridiculed and you can immediately empathize with the meek salesmen who don't have a choice but to listen to him. Being a salesman is tough indeed and as he rightly puts: "You know what it takes to sell real estate? It takes brass balls to sell real estate." That scene drips brilliance in every frame and sets the stage for the goodies to follow. This could very well be the finest performance I've seen from Baldwin.

    The underrated Ed Harris who is always dependable but sadly overlooked throughout his career stands his ground with a sledgehammer act as Dave Moss, the man who is a creature of habit when it comes to disrespecting and blaming others for his shortcomings. Watch out for that outburst.."Fuck 'The Machine'!" Outstanding!

    Alan Arkin is superb as the dependant, clearly weaker salesman who acts as a yes-man to Harris' character. Watch out for that scene in which he seems to echo everything Moss says! Fabulous!

    Kevin Spacey, everyone's favourite who ensures he doesn't get lost amidst all the seniors in the acting business and stands tall as a worthy part of this ensemble cast.

    Al Pacino is his usual brilliant self and practically chews up every frame he is in with his effervescent performance. Some of the finest scenes include him using his tactics for convincing James Lingk (Jonathan Pryce) to buy from him and the scene in which he pulls no punches in supporting Shelley in a war of words.

    (Important trivia: Pacino was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this film. The same year, he won the Oscar for Best Actor for "Scent of a woman"! My votes would've definitely been reserved for the Supporting Actor Oscar!)

    Jack Lemmon: In what could be his least talked about yet one of his greatest performances, Lemmon outshines them all with his rendition of the meek yet ambitious Shelley Levine who is aware that he is past his prime, yet wants to desperately regain his reputation. His is the most heartbreaking performance of them all, as he struggles to balance his finances and take care of his ailing daughter, is constantly under pressure, yet musters up the jovial persona and the much needed energy when it comes to making a sale. Watch out for that single scene for which he deserves all the laurels when he visits a home to make a sale to a person who is clearly reluctant. We know this man isn't going to buy, Levine knows the man isn't going to buy, yet, in spite of several hints, Levine sticks to his energetic self and tries his level best..!


    With some great directing by James Foley and razor sharp editing by Howard E. Smith , "Glengarry Glen Ross" is a picture often passed by, begging to be seen by all serious film aficionados. I hope I have done an adequate job of "selling" this film and convincing you to rent this NOW!
  • superclerk25
    October 13, 2010
    superclerk25
    Right off the bat... the cast in this movie is excellent. Each one of them gets their time to shine and they take it for all it's worth.
    The story is simple. A group of salesmen are threatened with losing their jobs if they don't produce better sales numbers at the end of the w... read moreeek. Each one of them deals with it in their own way. For some it's desperation, others have breakdowns. One guy doesn't even notice.
    It's an interesting look at the world of the salesman and it re enforced the feeling that I don't want to be in that type of career.
    My favorite of the bunch has to be Jack Lemmon. He's the most sympathetic of the characters and we see that he works hard. But his usual bag of tricks have become stale and he hasn't been very successful as of late. his mannerisms and his voice are fascinating to me in this role and I couldn't take my eyes off him when he was on screen. his character goes through many moods in the film from desperation, anger, and confident and all of them seem effortless to Lemmon.
    I enjoyed the film. I recommend it.
  • imrealgod
    July 15, 2010
    imrealgod
    Be forewarned: There's not much of a plot here, so to speak. The movie comprises of conversations for most of the part. While some viewers may be bored with the blah, blah, blah going on, some would enjoy it. I belong to the latter category of the viewers. The movie was one hell ... read moreof a funny conversational joy ride, & boy did I enjoy it!!! Of course, I didn't get some of the sales related talkings, but fortunately, there wasn't too much of it.

    While it's not a thriller per se, the predictable who-dun-it part at the end is revealed quite aptly. Regarding the performances, each & every actor gives his (there's no her, if memory serves me right) best. This perfect casting that delivers incredible performances only serves as an icing on the cake.

    The screenplay writer & the director deserve full marks for the great execution of what could otherwise have been a lousy adaptation of a Pulitzer Prize winning play. Two thumbs up to this gem that somehow managed to remain hidden from me for this long.
  • ythelastman89
    March 15, 2010
    ythelastman89
    Without a doubt, this has some of the best casting for a film. The actors fit their roles in a way that is almost scary. It also has some of the best writing for a film ever, showing once again that David Mamet's talent is just as impressive on the screen as it is on the stage. I... read moret is a great analysis of capitalism and the idea of the salesman without needing to be funny or a satire. It is almost like a modernization of Death Of A Salesman because you get this really warped feeling about the twisted logic from the characters in the film. My only complaint, if you can call it that, is the fact that it was made to fit the performances. On the first viewing it comes off as flawless, but the more you watch it you tend to see that it lacks a visual personality. Not that it doesn't have any, it just doesn't match the rest of the film elements.
  • flixsterman
    November 14, 2009
    flixsterman
    A captivating glimpse inside the slimy world of commission sales. Once in a lifetime cast that includes Kevin Spacey, Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin and Alan Arkin. Great film if you don't mind the high P.Q. (profanity quotient).
  • mumby1988
    October 16, 2009
    mumby1988
    For a film with Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey and Ed Harris altogether, this was hugely disappointing. If you dislike David Mamet?s frequent profanity, you?ll not enjoy this anyway, but even if you overlook that or put it down to the mood being created, this is still a poo... read morer script. The lines are tiresomely repetitive and dull (e.g. all the mention of ?leads? is unnecessary. We get the message). So you get the sense that Mamet's storyline is very thin and he?s forced to use repetition and profanity to pad this out to 100 minutes.

    As far as the performances go, Al Pacino is great as the ruthless Ricky Roma, and Jack Lemmon is generally convincing as the desperate Shelley Levene. Other than these, however, the characters are very thin and two-dimensional. Pacino?s scenes with Jonathan Pryce feature some great lines of monologue but he never lets Pryce speak, so we are never completely convinced of how pathetic he is. Kevin Spacey?s character only really becomes three-dimensional in the last 20 minutes or so; until then he is a stereotypical pencil-pusher. And Ed Harris and his colleague are not given enough to do. The long sequences where they are ?talking? about breaking into the office could have worked as a red herring if it had not been so strung out.

    In all, a big disappointment.
  • SirPant
    September 21, 2009
    SirPant
    This is acting at its finest with a dream team cast. Glengarry Glen Ross is captivating and utterly brilliant. The script, delivery, dialogue and chemistry are all there and it?s glorious! Jack Lemmon we miss you!

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Critic Reviews

James Berardinelli
June 10, 2008
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

For anyone who loves sharp dialogue, compelling characters, and a stinging social rebuke, Glengarry Glen Ross is not to be missed. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

You can see the joy with which these actors get their teeth into these great lines, after living through movies in which flat dialogue serves only to advance the story. Full Review

September 29, 1992
Entertainment Weekly

The performers achieve a true ensemble rhythm; at times, the entire office seems like a single, shouting organism. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
March 17, 2011
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

As you would expect from a Mamet play, the dialogue sizzles. Full Review

David Nusair
July 6, 2010
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews

...the most effective big-screen translation of a Mamet stage play. Full Review

Kevin McCarthy
August 25, 2008
Kevin McCarthy, WJFK-FM (CBS Radio)

The overall film, writing and acting are so darn good that I watched it and then immediately started it over again.

Emanuel Levy
August 17, 2006
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

Mamet has a special gift for drawing portriats of lowlifers who are harsh but also funny, his salesmen are a far cry from Arthur Miller's Loman in Death of a Salesman. Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson
May 26, 2006
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

This brilliant, gutsy film features a nervy script by David Mamet and career-topping performances by Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey, Jonathan Pryce and Alec Baldwin. Full Review

Chuck O'Leary
October 21, 2005
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily

As fierce as it is funny. Rarely does does a film sustain such a fever pitch of dramatic intensity. One of the very best of 1992.

Phil Villarreal
October 21, 2005
Phil Villarreal, Arizona Daily Star

Words fly with the speed and impact of bullets. Full Review

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    • Dave Moss: Yes! I confess! I did it!
    • Blake: I'd wish you good luck but you wouldn't know what to do with it if you got it.
    • Blake: ABC. 'A', always. 'B', be. 'C', closing. ALWAYS BE CLOSING. Always be closing.
    • Dave Moss: You want to know what it takes to sell real estate? It takes BRASS BALLS to sell real estate.
    • Dave Moss: Put that coffee down. Coffee's for closers. You're name's Levine? You call yourself a salesman, you son of a bitch?
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Glengarry Glen Ross Trivia

  • Which actor played Blake in Glengarry Glen Ross?  Answer »
  • Whch of the following actors appeared in Glengarry Glen Ross, Looking for Richard and Pearl Harbor?  Answer »
  • In the 1992 film "Glengarry Glen Ross", which actor's character appeared in only one scene?  Answer »
  • A - Attention I - Interest D - Decision A - Action This is a credo written on the blackboard in the beginning of what film?  Answer »
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