DVD Review: Oleanna (C+)

Oleanna (1994)
Directed by David Mamet
Starring William H. Macy and Debra Eisenstadt
MPAA: UR
Grade: C+

Review by Scott Standish

I am a huge David Mamet buff, but this left me a little disappointed. Awkwardly adapted from the play of the same name, this one is about as dry as it gets.

The story of Oleanna is simple: a student is failing a class. She visits her prof to try and get some help. He says a number of things that could be taken the wrong way and she slaps him with a sexual harassment suit. She is being used by a feminist group that is certainly taking advantage of the situation to push their agenda, but at the same time, her anger at the educational system for the unfairness it fosters is not altogether out of place.

The acting by William H. Macy is very good in Oleanna and he was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. However, if you are looking for the best Mamet work on screen, I highly recommend Glengarry Glen Ross or House of Games. Oleanna has the signature Mamet style, but just not enough ingredients in the mix for a compelling film.

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