Spartan



An 2004 espionage thriller written and Directed by David Mamet, and starring Val Kilmer and Kristen Bell. The the story follows Bobby Scott, a government secret agent charged with finding and recovering the kidnapped daughter (Kristen Bell) of a high ranking government figure, and is partened with the new recruit Curtis. Scott is obedient and cold when it is necessary, but quickly discovers a much larger and more sinister political scheme. Spartan has been labelled by some as 'the thinking man's thriller', and has a more moody and slow-paced atmoshpere. The film received mixed to good reviews, particularly regarding the ending.

This film provides examples of:

 * Amateur Sleuth: Curtis.
 * Anyone Can Die:
 * Anti Hero: Bobby Scott is shown as cold and relentless when it comes to getting the job done..
 * Authority Equals Asskicking: Scott uses his importance as a secret agent to do, and get away with many morally questionable things.
 * Blasting It Out of Their Hands: This happens quickly in one scene, in which Bobby is being shot at and one hits his submachine gun. He visibly shows pain, but ultimately isn't harmed and maanges to pull our his sidearm.
 * Dramatic Gun Cock: A variation. After killing one of the convicts Bobby pulls the trigger with the shotgun pointed at the other one. The firearm is empty but he does it to intimidate and get information from the convict.
 * Drill Sergeant Nasty: We briefly see one of these early in the movie.
 * Duel to The Death: Curtis goes through one of these as a graduation process to the Delta Force.
 * Eye Scream:.
 * Government Conspiracy
 * Gray and Gray Morality
 * Love It or Hate It
 * Mamet Speak: Being a Mamet film this is expected, Also combined with a lot of Spy Speak.
 * Master of Disguise: Bobby doesn't change much of his physical appearance when he occassionally takes on a different role except his clothes. But his mannerisms and way of speaking are done in a way that's likely to manipulate others and fit the situation.
 * Military Alphabet
 * No Holds Barred Beatdown: Bobby roughs up Jerry and breaks his arm in order to get information from him.
 * Red Oni Blue Oni: Though perhaps not quite as close as other examples, Bobby Scott could be seen as Blue Oni and Curtis as Red Oni.
 * Staged Shooting: Bobby stages the shooting of a police officer and gas station owner to fool two convicts into thinking he's a criminal.
 * Red Oni Blue Oni: Though perhaps not quite as close as other examples, Bobby Scott could be seen as Blue Oni and Curtis as Red Oni.
 * Staged Shooting: Bobby stages the shooting of a police officer and gas station owner to fool two convicts into thinking he's a criminal.
 * Staged Shooting: Bobby stages the shooting of a police officer and gas station owner to fool two convicts into thinking he's a criminal.