A Life in the Theatre

If you have ever been involved in community or local theater groups, you may enjoy this film. After spending several years with the same actors, play after play, I found this film to hit the bullseye. Mamet's writing is brilliant as the relationship between the veteran actor and the budding actor develops - not only off-stage, but is intensified by the repertory plays in which the two actors are cast. Mamet never fails to entertain, nor does he ever fail to unmask the human dilemma. This movie is considered a 'comedy,' however, if you have ever acted or been involved with production 'behind the scenes,' you may just say to yourself, "this is not funny - I 'know' these people!" This film delivers its goods to those who understand them. And as always, Jack Lemmon and Matthew Broderick are a pleasure to watch perform their craft.

Unless you are trying to watch all of Jack Lemmon's or Matthew Broderick's films stay away from this. 78 minutes of conversation between the 2 actors. I thought it was awful. Nothing interesting happened and the conversation never developed. The viewer never learns much more about the characters and after awhile doesn't care.

I would classify this movie as a 1 because I cant imagine anyone who would have even a slight spark of interest in the plot of this film. I was unfortunate enough to have my time wasted by this film because it was given to me as an extra bonus for buying movies from a rental that had closed down. If a movie doesn't offer anything substantial in a way of enlightenment, a differing world view, good cinematography, or something along the lines of a good reason to watch it, it should at least have a plot. Terribly unimaginative and incredibly boring are the only way to describe this movie with Mathew Broderick; an actor who I must say has only one usable character in his repertoire, Ferris Bueller-silly, and Ferris Bueller-not silly.

Many posts say that lovers of theatre and actors will love this film. I am an actor and Professor of Theatre and I find this film uninvolving, pretentious and wordy. If I wanted my students to fall asleep or hate theatre, I would show this film to them.

Over time, these two actors, the old one and the young one take subtle pot shots at each other and the result is just an eye rolling who cares? The play references are obscure at best and Mamet's dialog simply lacks wit and ingenuity.

Lemmon will say something about the theatre and Broderick will say "yes." Then Lemon will say something else about the theatre and Broderick will say "yes" again. Ad nauseum.

Of course Mametphiles will say "brilliant... what subtext." I say mametshit.

Broderick and Lemmon play parts that don't change a hair in the course of the film. In the beginning of the film, Lemmon's character is sad and pedantic and Broderick a sponge. By the end of the film, Lemmon is sad and pedantic and Broderick a sponge. A colossal waste of time. If I as a theatre lover found it a yawner, I can't imagine anyone finding interest in this tawdry yak-fest.

Want a good film on the life in theatre? Stick to All About Eve, The Producers, Shakespeare in Love, Stage Door, Centerstage, Amadeus, and even The Bandwagon.