The Spanish Prisoner
The Spanish Prisoner

Movie spotlight

The Spanish Prisoner

1997
Movie
110 min
English

An inventor of a secret process suddenly finds himself alone as both his friends and the corporation he works for turn against him.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Metacritic84/100
Google Users87%
Director: David MametGenres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

An unassuming inventor, Joe Ross, has devised a plan that will make him and his company millions. He travels to the tropics to finalize the deal, but soon finds himself entangled in a complex web of deception orchestrated by the mysterious "The’.” As Joe tries to protect his invention and his life, he must navigate a dangerous game of trust and betrayal.

Critical Reception

The Spanish Prisoner was critically acclaimed for its intricate plotting, Mamet's signature sharp dialogue, and the strong performances of its cast, particularly Steve Martin in a more dramatic role. It is often cited as one of Mamet's most accessible and entertaining films.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its clever and suspenseful plot.

  • Admired for David Mamet's sharp, witty dialogue.

  • Steve Martin's against-type performance was a highlight.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's intelligence and engaging mystery, with many highlighting Steve Martin's surprising turn as a villain. The intricate plot and Mamet's unique dialogue were frequently cited as major strengths.

Fun Fact

The film's intricate plot was inspired by Mamet's own experiences with various confidence schemes and his general distrust of grand financial promises.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

**_When you can’t trust anyone_** Shot in September-October, 1996, this is a Hitchcockian corporate espionage drama/suspense thriller, written/directed by David Mamet. It’s reminiscent of “The Firm,” just meshed with elements of the futu...

Coco Sea

Coco Sea

This film captures you from start to finish, like the music! The lead actor is handsome; the pace is deceptive; the mystery is jazzy yet confounding; the cast's acting is done well; and our faith in the goodness in some stays alive through...