Spartan

Dir: David Mamet
2004
The title is correct. David Mamet’s kidnapping thriller is pared down to its essence, with dialog and a plot that doesn’t wait for the stupid people in the audience to catch up. So many thrillers and action films tell you something three times just in case you get it. Mamet will have none of that.
Val Kilmer isn’t my favorite actor, but he’s well cast a Scott, and Special Ops Navy Seal (I think, I don’t pay particular attention to thing like that), a guy who just gets the (bloody) job done with maximum efficiency and never asks questions.
“Spartan” then sets up Scott in a situation where he must question his elders, as others are dying around him. I went into this film knowing nothing except for Mamet’s name and the fact that the film came and went. I can see why it did–most people couldn’t catch up with the film, despite being in a safe Hollywood genre. I also don’t want to discuss the plot too much as I found many of the twists unexpected. The trailer, however, is made for the mouthbreathers and tells you most of the film.
Mamet’s vision of modern politics is of a ruthless and efficient engine that chews up those far and near. And the gulf that separates the soldiers from those that give orders is wide when it comes to morals.