Directed by David Mamet
Okay, this really won’t spoil anything so let’s get it out of the way now. There are no prisons in this movie and Spain is nowhere to be seen. “The Spanish prisoner” is the name of a classic scam. Writer/Director David Mamet calls it a “light thriller.”
Interesting term.
Joe Ross(Campbell Scott) and George Lang(Ricky Jay) are two scientists who have invented a maguffin called “the process” which will revolutionize the universe and make the company they work for wealthy beyond dreams.
So the president of the company, Mr. Klein(Ben Gazzara) brings Joe, George, and secretary Susan Ricci(Rebecca Pidgeon) down to a tropical island in the Atlantic to discuss it with some big brass.
While there Joe and Susan come into contact with a jetsetting businessman named Jimmy Dell(Steve Martin), who proceeds to seduce Joe.
Whenever Joe asks Klein about a raise or some perks, the latter begs off. Back in New York, confides in Jimmy. The trap is set.
This is a question of who do you trust. The clues are there but they are easy to miss. Is this a case of industrial espionage or is it an inside job?
Everyone gives a great performances Scott is wonderful as the intelligent-yet- befuddled scientist, Martin gives his best performance since “LA Story,” and Mammet has his best script since “Glengarry, Glen Ross.”
All in all a tasty pretzel.
