Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

About Glengarry Glen Ross

Glengarry Glen Ross is a dramatic film directed by James Foley, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by David Mamet. The story revolves around the cut-throat world of real estate salesmen at Premiere Properties in Chicago. The salesmen, Shelley Levene, Ricky Roma, Dave Moss, and George Aaronow, are pressured by their office manager, John Williamson, and Blake, a trainer sent by the owners, into a sales competition where the losers could be fired. The film explores themes of desperation, dishonesty, manipulation, and immorality in a harsh business world.

Making / Production

Development of the film started after the success of the stage play. David Mamet wrote the screenplay, adding an entirely new character, Blake. The director, James Foley, worked closely with Mamet and the ensemble cast, intensifying the dramatic essence of the original play. The film was shot in New York City with most scenes taking place in the office, further amplifying the cramped and claustrophobic conditions of the salesmen's world.

Actors

• Al Pacino played the character Ricky Roma, the top salesman at the firm. Pacino's portrayal was dominant, fluid, and persuasive, showcasing his character's skill in this ruthless profession.
• Jack Lemmon portrayed Shelley Levene, a once-successful salesman now in a slump. Lemmon delivered an exceptional performance of Levene's desperation and decline.
• Alec Baldwin played the role of Blake, a character not in the original play. Baldwin's strong and memorable monologue motivates and terrifies the salesmen, creating a defining moment in the film.
• Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, and Kevin Spacey played Dave Moss, George Aaronow, and John Williamson respectively. Each actor built upon their character's unique traits, contributing to the film's intense dynamic.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is famous for the "Always Be Closing" speech, delivered by Alec Baldwin's character.
• The word 'fuck' and its variants are said 138 times throughout the movie.
• The film was shot in just over a month.
• Al Pacino was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance, even though he's only in the film for 21 minutes.

Awards

Al Pacino received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film. The film was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for Jack Lemmon's performance.

Quotes

• "Coffee's for closers only." - Blake
• "A-B-C. A-Always, B-Be, C-Closing. Always be closing, always be closing." - Blake
• "We're adding a little something to this month's sales contest. As you all know, first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado. Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is, you're fired." - Blake

Music, Soundtrack

• "Blue Skies" - Al Jarreau
• "Daydream" - David Sanborn