Steve Martin is incredibly versatile. He does comedy. He plays bluegrass banjo. And on occasion, to our delight, he does serious drama. He's excellent in The Spanish Prisoner.
Made a decade ago, the story is about a sting. No spoiler, as usual, but let me say that this "noir" thriller really grabs the viewer.
Just imagine yourself as a creative mind working in an industry where your most recent breakthrough, which could bring the company (and you) millions, is very hush-hush. You've got the plans and details for your brilliant idea in your office safe. But soon, circumstances push you to open the safe...
Rebecca Pidgeon, one of the best character actors of the 90's, is delightfully creepy as the wannabe girlfriend of the mark. She flits around, full of energy and mystery, and we constantly wonder what her angle is.
Steve Martin is not on stage a lot, but when he is, he shines. He has a wonderfully cynical, enigmatic smirk when he grins. He becomes friends with the victim of the scam. Question is, what is his role in the whole sting?
So, turn back the clock, rent the 1997 DVD, and enjoy a weird, complex, intriguing plot unfold. You won't be disappointed. Just one caution: the ending could be slightly more interesting to be consistent with the rest of the movie.
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