Spartan  (2004)

Starring: Val Kilmer, Derek Luke, William H. Macy
Director: David Mamet

Rating: R

Studio: Warner Bros.

Release Date: 03.12.04

Review Posted: 03.31.04

Spoilers: None

By Gregory L. Amato

Deception, double-crossing, and snappy dialogue: The hallmarks of a David Mamet film (House of Games, Heist) are here in spades, even if a fast-paced political thriller is a bit of a departure for the director. That’s okay, because Spartan is a bit of a departure for its genre, and in a good way. Keep in mind that Mamet was one of the screenwriters for 1998’s Ronin (credited as Richard Weisz), and then recall 2001’s Heist, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect.

If anything the biggest surprise in Spartan is Val Kilmer’s (Heat, The Salton Sea) excellent performance as Robert Scott. A military agent who can’t quite be placed, “Bobby” (not his real name) is called in for anything from overseeing military training to highly sensitive matters involving the Secret Service. Curtis (Derek Luke, Antwone Fisher) is his eager protégé, also called in to assist when the daughter of who we assume to be the President (this is never overtly stated) is missing.

Once the hunt is on, Spartan seems to shift into a higher gear. Don’t even try to make this a popcorn-and-soda flick, or you’ll end up missing something crucial—in fact, try not to blink either. The beauty of Mamet’s cadence and delivery is that they don’t knock the audience over the head with exactly what is going on. These are professional spooks talking shop to one another, and that’s exactly what it sounds like. Plans are laid out and executed quickly, intent is often signaled by cryptic phrases, and these guys aren’t waiting for warrants to question people.

The only discordant voice is that of the idealistic Curtis, who doesn’t buy the official explanation after the situation had seemingly settled itself. Once Scott is convinced that something is awry, his "Tell me where to go and tell me what to do" attitude comes into serious question. Who can he trust? What can he assume? And what is he going to do about it? Kilmer is at his best since perhaps Tombstone, and Spartan is one of the smartest thrillers in recent memory.

If you liked any of the films Mamet has worked on, get tickets to see Spartan. Fast. Warner Brothers has done little to promote the film other than to put together a trailer that all but gives away the most important aspects of the plot (come to think of it, they did this with Heist as well), and the film is being pushed out of theaters far too soon.

Film Rating: êêêê  (out of 4)

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