‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ (1992): A grim, darkly comedic death of a salesman (review)

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Adapted from the play of the same name, 1992 drama “Glengarry Glen Ross” follows four aging salesmen. Over the course of a few days, their lives change substantially when the corporate office sends in a strict trainer.

Elderly salesmen Shelley “The Machine” Levene (Jack Lemmon), Dave Moss (Ed Harris), George Aaronow (Alan Arkin), and Ricky Roma (Al Pacino) are called into the office one evening. Owners of Premiere Properties Mitch and Murray sent corporate trainer Blake (Alec Baldwin) to motivate the group, albeit unsuccessfully. Shelly, George, Ricky, and Dave learn that in one week all but the top two salesmen will receive the favorable Glengarry leads. Additionally, only the top two salesmen will stay on, with the other two fired. “As you all know, first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado…Second prize? A set of steak knives. Third prize is you’re fired,” Blake spews.
Once top salesman, Shelley grapples with a lengthy slump. Outside of work, Levene struggles to support a sick daughter. Moss concocts a plan to steal the promising Glengarry leads, and sell them to a rival real estate agency. Dave and Aaronow largely whine about Murray and Mitch. Meanwhile, Roma closes potential customer James Lingk (Jonathan Pryce) at a nearby bar, although most of his sales pitch is incoherent rambling.

“Glengarry Glen Ross” shines with superb acting from an ensemble cast, witty screenplay, and engaging plot. True to its theatrical source material, the James Foley-directed film is primarily dialogue-driven. Thus, it relies heavily on the core cast of Lemmon, Pacino, Harris, and Arkin. The veteran actors bring their characters to life. Notably, Lemmon plays Shelley as a declining once-great salesman who, in meeting with clients, attempts to convince himself more than the customer. Pacino as Roma is rambling, confident, and motor-mouthed.

David Mamet’s screenplay remains infinitely quotable. Alec Baldwin’s Blake warns Shelley “Put that coffee down. Coffee is for closers.” Later, Blake teaches the ABCs: “A always, B be, C closing. Always be closing.” While intended as motivational, his caustic diction merely disheartens the Glengarry Glen Ross salesmen.

Set design further reinforces the dismal tone. It’s full of drab, florescent lighting. During the few outside shots, it seems almost perpetually raining or evening for a literally dark vibe. Though “Glengarry Glen Ross” provides comedic moments, it’s cynically amusing. For anyone that’s ever worked in sales, “Glengarry Glen Ross” likely proves too realistic.

However, it’s this grounded quality which makes the film so clever, relatable, and gripping. Over its 100 minute run-time, “Glengarry Glen Ross” creates sympathetic characters in its salesmen and throws in a solid twist during the third act. Overall, “Glengarry Glen Ross” is a timeless, depressingly funny, brilliantly acted film.