Daily Staff Writer

“The Spanish Prisoner”

Imagine the last 10 minutes of “The Usual Suspects” lasting for a full two hours, and that is what “The Spanish Prisoner” is like.

The film was written and directed by playwright-giant David Mamet, whose previous writing credits include “Glengary Glen Ross” and “The Untouchables.”

The film begins with Joe Ross (Campbell Scott) heading to a Caribbean island with his partner George (Ricky Jay). They work for some unspecified type of investment firm, and have developed “the process.” It is never directly stated what “the process” is; it is only said that it will bring whirlwind profits to the company.

Joe is joined on the island by Susan (Rebecca Pidgeon), a young secretary, and Jimmy Dell (a superb Steve Martin). Dell is an extremely wealthy, and slightly eccentric socialite.

Jimmy and Joe make plans to meet when they both get back to New York. Jimmy also gives Joe a package to give to his sister in New York.

When Joe gets back to New York he becomes worried that his boss is going to take “the process” without giving him any compensation. Joe turns to Jimmy for help.

From there we enter an elaborate con game, where literally no one is what they initially seem. It seems everyone wants “the process” and Joe has no idea who to trust.

Like any good suspense film, “Prisoner” weaves a complex web. Unlike most, it ties up all of its loose ends. In terms of style, it is reminiscent of some of Hitchcock’s best, particularly “The Man Who Knew Too Much” and “North by Northwest.”

In true playwright style, Mamet laces his work with rich variety of themes. Joe desperately longs for and yet resents Jimmy’s lifestyle. At the same time, Jimmy and Joe both highly value trust and honor.

If anyone still doubts the tremendous and varied talents of Steve Martin, this film should remove all doubt. He perfectly suits the plain, straight-forward style of acting that Mamet calls for.

This intelligent film is not confusing, and completely engaging.

-Ben Godar

“THX 1138”

“THX 1138” is George Lucas’ first film and would be must-see viewing even if that were the only thing to its credit. But there is so much more.

It is a dark science fiction thriller that came out in 1970. It is based on a short film Lucas made while still in college. It stars Robert Duvall as THX 1138, a cog in a vast, economically-perfect society where sex is forbidden, everyone looks the same, no one has a real name, and drugs are standard for all aspects of social control.

His roommate, LUH 3417, has stopped taking drugs and has fallen in love with the robot-like THX.

Soon, she encourages him to stop taking drugs so they can see the world for what it truly is together. He does so reluctantly and soon gets LUH pregnant, not so reluctantly.

The two are discovered and imprisoned. THX is sent to a a prison which is simply an enormous, disorienting white space stretching as far as the eye can see. Escape is considered impossible because none of the malcontents in this prison are willing to walk forever in a white, interior desert.

THX takes it upon himself to escape from this world and save the woman he loves. He leads the authorities on a memorable chase, never once showing any signs of real emotion.

“THX 1138” is considered by some to be dull and plodding. While it isn’t packed with wall-to-wall action, it is quite moody as it looks into a uniquely conceived dystopia. It is along the same vein as “1984” and “Brave New World.”

Visually, the film is impressive and offers the audience a philosophical quandary.

Thematically, the film is an obvious precursor to “Star Wars.” His quiet struggle can be easily viewed in the same mythological context as “Star Wars” and fans of the trilogy will find their ability to reinterpret the series enhanced once they realize how often Lucas refers to “THX 1138.”

“THX 1138” is a thoughtful look at man’s need to control his environment and offers something for Lucas fans young and old. It is perfect for any true sci-fi fan gathering and will become a favorite immediately if it isn’t already.

– Greg Jerrett