Glengarry Glen Ross (film)
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Glengarry Glen Ross is the title of a 1992 movie, based on the 1984 Pulitzer Prize and Tony-winning play of the same name by David Mamet, who adapted it into a screenplay for the film. The film shows parts of two days in the lives of four desperate real estate agents who are prepared to engage in any number of unethical and/or illegal acts (from lies and flattery to bribery, threats and intimidation to burglary) in order to sell undesirable real estate to unwilling prospective buyers ("leads").
The film differs from the play mainly with the insertion of a single scene written by Mamet. The scene involves a character named Blake, played by Alec Baldwin in one of his most critically acclaimed performances, who gives the main characters a more immediate motivation for selling real estate —namely that their jobs are on the line.
The film also differs in location. While the play's original references to the Chicago area remain intact throughout, the film credits list it having been filmed "on location" in New York City. As such, there are some scenes which do refer to New York City, such as the opening scene, in which the pay phone Shelly Levene (Jack Lemmon) uses clearly reads "New York". Also, George Aaronow (Alan Arkin) comments to Shelly, "I had a woman in White Plains on the hook ...," an obvious reference to White Plains, New York. The final scene also features a subway car with "Sheepshead Bay" (as in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn) as the destination. The scene where Al Pacino's character arrives at the office clearly shows an NYPD squad car.
Cast
- Jack Lemmon - Sheldon "Shelly The Machine" Levene
- Al Pacino - Richard "Ricky" Roma
- Ed Harris - David "Dave" Moss
- Alan Arkin - George Aaronow
- Kevin Spacey - John Williamson
- Alec Baldwin - Blake Vinuzzo
- Jonathan Pryce - James Lingk
- Jude Ciccolella - Detective Saunders
Trivia
- The word fuck is used in the script a total of 138 times during the 100 minute long movie.
- During filming, the movie was jokingly referred to by the actors as "Death of a Fucking Salesman," owing to its salty language.
- The only female character in the movie with a talking part is the coat-check woman at the bar, whose only line is, "Slow tonight."
- The role of Blake was especially written for Alec Baldwin by David Mamet. Blake is a corporate bigshot who comes down to the office to encourage the sales force by way of fiery verbal abuse.
- Baldwin reprised this role in parody for the December 10, 2005 broadcast of Saturday Night Live. He played an upper management elf sent to tell off Santa's incompetent workforce.
- Jack Lemmon called the film's ensemble the best one of which he had ever been a part.
- The title refers to Glengarry Highlands and Glen Ross Farms, two properties mentioned in the movie.
- During filming, members of the cast who weren't required to be on the set certain days would show up anyway to watch the other actors' performances.
- The character of Gil, a desperate salesman in The Simpsons, was inspired by the character of Levene and bears a certain resemblance to Jack Lemmon.
- Al Pacino was nominated for an Academy Award (Actor in a Supporting Role) for the role of salesman Ricky Roma. This was the same year (1992) he won the Academy Award (Actor in a Leading Role) for his portrayal of Lt. Col. Frank Slade in "Scent of a Woman."
- David Mamet changed the original ending for the movie. In the play, Roma (Al Pacino) flatters Shelley (Jack Lemmon) and suggests that the two work together. Then, when Shelley leaves the room, Roma turns on Shelley and reveals that his flattery was only a con to get a share of Shelley's sales. In the movie, this last-second turn is omitted, and Roma's flattery is assumed to be sincere.
Quotes
Blake Vinuzzo I've been in this business for 15 years. David "Dave" Moss What your name? Blake Vinuzzo Fuck You! That's my name! You know why pal because you drove a Hyundai here tonight, I drove an eighty thousand dollar BMW that's my name.
Levene You are really beginning to burn my ass kid!
Blake Vinuzzo You can't close the leads your given, you can't close shit! You are shit! Hit the bricks pal and beat it because you are going out!
Roma Always be closing...
Levene That's what I've been saying right...convert that motherfucker...sell him make him sign the check.
External links
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