Search - State and Main on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Adult Language, Sexual Situations Movie Release: 2000 DVD Release: 06/19/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV,Pan and Scan - Closed Captioned Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 46 mins Studio: New Line Home Video Total Copies: 11 Genres: Comedy, Americana, Showbiz Comedy

Echoing the themes of Living in Oblivion and Irma Vep, David Mamet's seventh feature centers on the havoc wrought on the inhabitants of a small town by a troubled film production. After its leading man's propensity for teenage girls gets them banished from their New Hampshire location, a film crew relocates to the small town of Waterford, VT, to finish shooting "The Old Mill." As its title suggests, the film depends on the presence of a genuine mill, something the town is reported to possess. Unfortunately, with only days before principal photography begins, it becomes apparent that the mill in fact burned down decades ago. Unfazed, the film's director, Walt Price (William H. Macy), places his faith in the ability of first-time screenwriter Joseph Turner White (Philip Seymour Hoffman) to alter the script; what he doesn't count on is White's apparently bottomless reserve of angst-fueled writer's block. The film's leading lady (Sarah Jessica Parker) refuses to do her contracted nude scene unless she's give an ungodly sum of cash, while a foreign cinematographer offends the locals by messing with an historic firehouse, and the leading man, Bob Barrenger (Alec Baldwin), dallies with Carla (Julia Stiles), a crafty local teen. Everything comes to a head after Barrenger and Carla are injured in a car accident, which leads White to another emotional quandary and into the arms of Ann Black (Rebecca Pidgeon). ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide

Alec Baldwin - Bob Barrenger
Charles Durning - Mayor George Bailey
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Joseph Turner White
Patti LuPone - Sherry Bailey
William H. Macy - Walt Price
Rebecca Pidgeon - Ann Black

The best reason to appreciate the DVD of State and Main is the commentary track, which features several members of the film's acting ensemble: William H. Macy, David Paymer, Clark Gregg, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Patti LuPone. Since they are all, to varying degrees, experts on the film's subject matter and its near-legendary writer/director, David Mamet, they are able to provide many insights into both subjects. Conspicuous in his absence is Mamet himself, but the lightheartedness of the proceedings both onscreen and in voice-over make it difficult to miss his often serious personality. The rest of the package is fairly standard: a fine theatrical trailer, comprehensive filmographies for Mamet and nine cast members, and chapter selection. The DVD can be displayed in either 2.35:1 widescreen or 1.33:1 pan-and-scan; both options provide a clear image, which actually contributes to a subtle visual joke in the look of the final sequence. As always, Mamet's famous dialogue is a big draw, and it's clearly and faithfully reproduced here in Dolby Digital Surround. ~ Jeff Alexander, All Movie Guide