Edmond

Adapted by David Mamet from his own stage play, this short but far from sweet little number follows the titular Edmond (Macy) on a long, dark night of the soul after he leaves his wife (Pidgeon, naturally). Looking for some direction in his life, his run-ins with assorted pimps, whores and muggers leave him no closer to finding where he belongs. As a study in urban alienation, it's certainly no Taxi Driver or Falling Down, mainly because it's difficult to gauge just what Edmond's beef is, other than the high price of a lady's company. Still, Macy is spellbinding in a role that shows what might happen if his usual nebbish persona got a word in the ear from Travis Bickle, even if sympathy does go out the window somewhat when it becomes apparent that Edmond is more psychotic than downtrodden. Though probably a tough sell to your average summer moviegoer, fans of Mamet and his trademark doublespeak should lap it up. [Paul Greenwood]