I first became aware of David Mamet when I saw his "The Spanish Prisoner" in theatres back in 1998. I have seen nearly all of his films, except for one, his remake of "The Winslow Boy". I have also enjoyed each film, to various degrees, except for one, his comedy "State & Main".
David Mamet writes some of the best dialogue you will hear in modern cinema. It is said Mamet uses a metronome when he writes so his words flow to a certain rhythm. I love the intricacy of his choice of words. His script for his last film "Spartan" really brought this to my attention.
Before watching "Redbelt" I was under the impression many critics and the public thought of Mamet's latest film as a disappointment. A "lesser" film. Those who know me know I tend not to read reviews on a particular film until I have seen it myself. But somehow I gathered this impression. I have now learned that is not true. On www.rottentomatoes.com the film scored high. A majority of critics liked it I'm happy to say. As for the public, well, I'm not too sure about them.
"Redbelt" seems to be a mix of the two types of films Mamet likes to make. First you have the issues he is best known for, films about cons and con men. Nothing in the world is as it seems. Examples of this would be "The Spanish Prisoner" and "House of Games". But then we have his "moral" films. Films where the characters beliefs are tested and their true character is shown. Think along the lines of "Homicide".
"Redbelt" is a nice combination between the two but it doesn't always hit the target.
The man in question is Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiotor). He is a ju jitsu instructor and runs his own academy. It is a failing business where he is the only instructor and his only employee is his wife, Sondra (Alice Braga), who tells him he is unable to make this month's rent. Mike is a proud man, he refuses to ask her more successful brothers; Bruno (Rodrigo Santoro) and Ricardo (John Machado) for a loan. Ju jitsu has taught him patience and honor. He believes in living a life devoted to ethics. He must stay true to his own code.
His beliefs will be challenged. A bizarre series of events have chain effect which will position his character. A stranger (Emily Mortimer) walks into his academy one day after she hits a car parked outside and looks for the owner. She has emotional problems. She was on her way to fill a prescription and seems disjointed. One of Mike's clients, a police officer, Joe (Max Martini) tries to calm her down. She becomes alarmed and picks up a gun Joe left lying around and shatters Mike's front window. Joe pretends the incident never happen. The stranger we find out is a lawyer, Laura Black.
Without giving away too much information this events leads Mike to meet a famous celebrity, Chet Franks (Tim Allen) whom he protected in a bar fight, a loan shark, (David Paymer) a fighting promoter (Ricky Jay) and Hollywood assistants (Joe Mantegna).
Much of the film is beautifully constructed. It really caught me off guard. But near the end of the film it starts to lose its way. Too many questions are left unanswered. The conclusions seem weak but I like the final image. It reveals nothing but gives the viewer something deep to think about.
The dialogue also doesn't always live up to Mamet's standards. And characters which at first seem important to the story disappear and come back at the end to close everything in. It is not effective.
But "Redbelt" is worth watching. The film had me involved from beginning to end, so that must count for something. I wouldn't described "Redbelt as a boring film. And despite the weak ending many moments in the middle are good. Mantegna, though the role is small, delivers Mamet's lines better than anyone in the film. He has appeared in several of Mamet's films and stage plays ranging film "House of Games", "Homicide" and last year's "Edmond" (though Mamet didn't direct that film).
"Redbelt" doesn't belong at the top of Mamet's great films but it doesn't belong at the end of the list either. Those unfamiliar with Mamet's style may see seeds are greatness here but I wouldn't recommend starting your Mamet collection with this film. But Mamet fans should have a good time.
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