Spartan (2004)

The investigation into a kidnapping of the daughter of a high-ranking US government official.

Director:

David Mamet

Writer:

David Mamet

Stars:

Val Kilmer, Derek Luke, William H. Macy

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tia Texada	...	Jackie Black
Derek Luke	...	Curtis
Val Kilmer	...	Scott
Jeremie Campbell	...	Cadre Candidate
Bob Jennings	...	Grace's Aide
Lionel Mark Smith	...	Colonel Blane
Johnny Messner	...	Grace
Chris LaCentra	...	Cpl. Sattler (as Chris J. Lacentra)
Renato Magno	...	Grossler
Mark FitzGerald	...	Training Facility Guard
Tony Mamet	...	Parker
Clark Gregg	...	Miller
Ron Butler	...	Headquarters Agent
Steven Culp	...	Gaines (as Stephen Culp)
Vincent Guastaferro	...	Naylor

Storyline

In the US-government's special ops, Scott is a shooter, not a planner, doing the job without regard to quaint or obsolete convention. When a Harvard undergrad goes missing (the daughter of a US leader), it's Scott who applies the pressure, first to her boyfriend, then to a madam whose cathouse is the initial stop en route to a white slavery auction in Dubai. The abductors may not know the girl's identity, but once they figure it out, she's doomed. Deadly double crosses force Scott to become a planner. Through it all, earnest TV newscasters read the drivel they're handed.

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Plot Keywords:

crying woman | red dress | white slavery | bordello | secret agent | 

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Taglines:

She's missing.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Scott ask Avi for help, Avi says to the other person in the room: "Itzik, hake bahutz" which means "Itzik, wait outside" in Hebrew.

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Goofs

The shipping container that is supposed to take Laura Newton back to the US is a type used only for land and sea freight. Because of its weight, it would never be used for air transport.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Scott: You had your whole life to prepare for this moment. Why aren't you ready?

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Crazy Credits

Bicycle Boy - Camden Munson

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Connections

References The Salton Sea (2002)

User Reviews

One Of Kilmer's Best Performances

Secret Serviceman extraordinnaire Val Kilmer tries to retrieve a kidnapped politician's daughter in this surprisingly-good thriller.

There isn't a lot of violence in this modern day tough rescue story, but when it occurs, look out! Kilmer is very good in here, one of his best performances ever and the film is nicely photographed. The only warning I would give viewers is the language, which contains about 25 f-words.

The best plug I can give this film is that it was very entertaining, start to finish, and that's what most of us are looking for - entertainment. It keeps your attention the full 100-plus minutes, so what's not to like? As mentioned, Kilmer is very, very good in here and, make no mistake: he's the show. Everything in the story really revolves around him.

There was anything that struck a sour note with me, it would be the story with the kidnapped girl's father. I don't think he was realistic, but I won't say more in fear of spoiling anything for those who haven't seen this.

Nonetheless, an under-publicized excellent film of 2004.

Details

Official Sites:

Tri Pictures [Spain] Warner Bros [United States]

Country:

Germany USA

Language:

English Russian Swedish

Release Date:

12 March 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

Spartan

Filming Locations:

Beacon Hill, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$19,250,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,011,435, 14 March 2004

Gross USA:

$4,434,432

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$8,112,712

Company Credits

Production Co:

Franchise Pictures, ApolloMedia Distribution, ApolloProMedia GmbH & Co. 1. Filmproduktion KG (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min 102 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1