American Buffalo (1996)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: It lacks the dynamism of other adaptations of his work, but American Buffalo still offers the tenacious characterizations and hard-hitting dialogue that are hallmarks of David Mamet's writing.
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Critic Reviews for American Buffalo
All Critics (27) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (20) | Rotten (7) | DVD (1)
A three-character, one-set chamber piece, pic lacks the bravura moments of the film version of the playwright's Glengarry Glen Ross
Because the film never really brings to life its inner secrets, it seems leisurely, and toward the end, it seems long.
Mamet's strafing dialogue still hits its marks, but director Michael Corrente never manages to turn this into anything more than a static filmed play.
Dustin Hoffman channels his Ratso Rizzo character from the 1969 Midnight Cowboy.
Mesmerized by the trademark Mamet gutter poetry, Corrente directs unobtrusively and respectfully.
In this overly theatrical version, Hoffman gives a mediocre performance in a role that Al Pacino excelled with on stage. Failing to open up Mamet's play, confined to one locale--a junk store--the film is claustropobhic and dull, lacking emotional payoff
Audience Reviews for American Buffalo
What are we talking about? We're talking business!
Super Reviewer
Although the play was better, performances from Hoffman and Franz maintain interest.
Super Reviewer
Very disappointing. This is my least favourite David Mamet play and it has been translated into a poor film.
Super Reviewer
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