THE SPANISH PRISONER

Movie of the week: (4/27/2004)
THE SPANISH PRISONER

First of all, the movie is NOT in spanish, it is in english. Secondly, the plot does not involve prisoners of any kind, nobody is held hostage, and again, nobody speaks spanish here . It's not what you would expect. It's a little slow at first and takes its time getting going, but that's because the film is establishing all the characters and all the plot elements that are to fall into place later in the movie.

This is one of David Mamet’s best screenplays. If you're not familiar with Mamet, check his credentials here. Being a playwright, his screenplays usually feature slick stylish dialogue, and a plot twist or two.

As a departure from his usual characters, Steve Martin is very ominous as a man who may or may not have gotten off the seaplane.

Enjoy.