Movie Loner

Writer/Director David Mamet has had his hand in some of the most acclaimed films of the last twenty-five years. The Verdict, The Untouchables, House of Games, Glengarry Glen Ross, Hoffa, Wag the Dog, Ronin and Hannibal all feature Mamet’s signature stamp. Known for his sharp, curt dialogue Mamet has the reputation of being one of Hollywood’s best scribes. However, he has also proven to be an adept Director focusing on dark mysteries steeped in betrayal. One such movie is the little seen Spartan, an intense, tightly woven thriller about a government cover-up.

The President’s daughter has been kidnapped. The FBI, Secret Service and a “lone wolf” operative named Scott (Val Kilmer) converge to crack the case. Scott, a tough, no questions asked kind of guy accepts the role of enforcer to ensure the girl’s safe return. The team is on a strict timetable. If the media catches wind of the abduction the impending reelection campaign will be placed in jeopardy. Speedy detective work and a couple rough interrogations reveal the girl has fallen victim to an international sex slave ring. Scott is called upon by the powers that be to do whatever it takes to bring her back.

Scott, and a special ops unit are ordered to Dubai to rescue the girl and break-up the slave trade ring. But before they can lift off news of the girl’s death is released. Apparently, she and one of her professors drowned in the ocean following a cocaine binge. The dogs are called off and Scott is sent home. Soon after, new evidence surfaces that the girl’s death was a fabrication. She is alive and in Dubai. Scott’s probing makes him a target. He must go off the reservation to expose a government conspiracy and extricate the girl. All alone in his quest, Scott will put himself in the line of fire to do what’s right.

Mamet employs all his tools to tell this intricate story. Power corrupted is often a central theme in his films and here he takes solid aim at the White House, even though it’s only implied. To what extremes would an administration go to secure reelection? It’s only fiction, but it makes you wonder if a leader would be capable of this type of moral perversion. Kilmer effectively seizes the reigns playing Mamet’s typical strong male lead. Scott is driven and loyal, but his robotic persona doesn’t lack a conscience. A credible supporting cast includes Derek Luke, Clark Gregg, Ed O’Neil and Mamet regular William H. Macy. If you’re looking for a quality suspense-filled movie, give Spartan a watch.

The trailer for Spartan:

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