Redbelt (2008, USA)

I generally enjoy David Mamet’s con films, and State and Main is a favorite, despite the odious presence of Rebecca Pidgeon. Up until now, Pidgeon was what I found most problematic about Mamet’s movies, but her one small scene here isn’t what makes a mess of Redbelt. The twists and turns and question of who’s really scamming who is what makes films like The Spanish Prisoner and Heist work, but in the service of a straight character drama, it all seems like much ado about nothing. The story of a martial arts fighter who lets his principles rather than his needs lead him is cheapened by excessive plotting and multi-character conspiracy. Add to that a completely ludicrous ending, and Redbelt ends up feeling like an extended shaggy dog story. Even the terrific Chiwetel Ejiofor, finally working his way into leading man roles on this side of the pond, and the strong cast of Mamet regulars (excepting Pidgeon) and a few ringers (Emily Mortimer and Alice Braga in particular) can’t make any of this feel really worthwhile, as Mamet has seemingly found a way to simultaneously under- and overwrite.