Production Companies ApolloMedia, ApolloProMedia GmbH & Co. 1. Filmproduktion KG (I), Art Linson Productions, Epsilon Motion Pictures, Franchise Pictures, QI Quality International GmbH & Co. KG, Signature Pictures, Spartan Productions Inc.
Studio Apollo Media, Apollo Promedia, Art Linson Productions, Franchise Pictures, Indelible Pictures, Phoenix Pictures, Quality Intl., Signature Pictures
Known for his caustic dialogue, incisive characterizations and skillful dramatic craftsmanship, writer-director David Mamet has amassed a prolific catalogue of stories about the varied characters and cultural dynamics that comprise the American experience. His diverse work has examined the not-so-quiet desperation of con men, salesmen and Hollywood producers, the truths and consequences of romantic relationships, and the complexities of sexual harassment in an age of Political Correctness.
Spartan, Mamet’s ninth film as a writer-director, is a political thriller in the tradition of Three Days of the Condor and Seven Days in May that explores the inner workings of a highly secretive governmental task force and the people who serve its win-at-all-costs agenda. “I’ve always been interested in political things,” says Mamet, who anchors Spartan around the character of Robert Scott, a highly skilled and remarkably efficient soldier who has long prevailed by following his belief that the end justifies the means. He leaves the thinking to others and carries out his assignments without question, because he believes – no matter how brutal his mission – that he is working for the benefit of the country.
Scott: I ain’t a planner. I ain’t a thinker. I never wanted to be.
“Scott has been told ‘If you stop thinking and simply follow these tasks, you will be rewarded, and you will be accepted into this elite warrior class, but you must never question the rectitude of your superiors or the worth of the tasks,’” Mamet explains. “Then he’s put in a position where he has to question his assignment and redefine himself as a warrior.”
To play the role of Robert Scott, whose quest to find a missing girl evolves into a quest to find the truth and, ultimately, to find himself, Mamet turned to multi-faceted actor Val Kilmer. ”I love Val and adore his work,” says the director. “I’ve always been fortunate enough to work with good actors. When I write for good actors, I always leave something out so they can bring something to it, and Val certainly does that.”
“Scott is a man of action,” Kilmer notes. “In the world of espionage, people like Scott have to do things that are sometimes illegal, but they don’t question the legality or efficiency or timing – they only think about whether it is or isn’t murder. If the government sanctions it, it isn’t murder. And that’s who my character is…at first.”
The character of Curtis, Scott’s naïve but talented protégé, provides further insight into the unconventional code of ethics that governs Scott’s world. But Curtis’ dogged pursuit of the truth could compromise their mission and cost lives in the process.
“Curtis represents the conscience of the hero, because he’s so new to this warrior class, he keeps asking the questions that have been eradicated from Scott’s conscience,” says Mamet, who offered Derek Luke the pivotal role after being impressed by his performance in Antwone Fisher. “Curtis makes Scott realize that he has become what he beheld.
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