Episode 083: Spartan (2004)

A lean, mean paranoid political thriller from Mamet and Kilmer.

Written & Directed by David Mamet. Starring Val Kilmer, Derek Luke, Tia Texada, William H. Macy, Ed O’Neil, Kristen Bell, Mark Pellegrino, Said Taghmaoui, Natalia Nogulich & Geoff Pierson

How is the world wrong about Spartan?

From Andras: I’ve heard people call this a “fascist film”. It certainly depicts the cold machinations of the the US intelligence apparatus when they kick into action to “cherchez la femme” but not in any celebratory way. This film is dark, and cold and rich with Mamet’s words and rhythms which are particularly well-served by Kilmer’s natural low-key arrogance.