STATE AND MAIN

CAPSULE REVIEW –– Mamet assembles an all-star cast in order to expose the soft underbelly of those who attempt to carve out a career in Hollywood. This tale of a film crew who takes over a small Vermont town is neither as funny nor shocking as he tries to make it out to be. Yet, it still manages to weave a small bit of movie magic thanks to Macy's manic energy as the film's director and Hoffman's anxious honesty as its' writer. It reveals the desire regular folk have to be part of the movies and the desire film folk have to be loved for who they are, not who they know. Walt's (Hoffman) purity of spirit is at the heart of the film, as he reconnects with his true self through the love of Ann (Pidgeon), a local woman who likes him despite the fact that he sold out. There are several sub-plots that deal with the corrupting influences and uncaring havoc the movie people wreak on the town, which supply most of the film's biting and humorous moments. However, those scenes are secondary to the unique connection that builds between Ann and Walt. It's a round-about romance that packs an emotional punch without a kiss even being exchanged. Mamet is a man of words, not deeds, which is the film's main problem. The constant wordplay drags a bit, considering it's mostly much ado about nothing. A fun diversion for language lovers.