Oleanna (1994)
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56% of critics liked it
(16 reviews) -
57% of users liked it
(1,565 ratings)
David Mamet directed this screen version of his controversial two-character stage drama. John (William H. Macy) is a self-centered college professor preoccupied with his bid for tenure and negotiations for a house that he and his wife want to buy. Mary (Debra Eisenstadt), one of his students, comes… More David Mamet directed this screen version of his controversial two-character stage drama. John (William H. Macy) is a self-centered college professor preoccupied with his bid for tenure and negotiations for a house that he and his wife want to buy. Mary (Debra Eisenstadt), one of his students, comes by John's office after class; she's failing his course and is obviously confused by the material. Not really paying attention to her, John discusses his philosophies about education in an abstract manner rather than offering concrete suggestions on how to improve her grades. The discussion becomes confrontational and eventually Mary leaves. Several days later, Mary returns, announcing that on the advice of her "group" that she is filing sexual harassment charges against John based on a broad interpretation of his statements. If Mary's suit is successful, it could cost John his job -- and the house he's always wanted. Mamet's wife, actress and musician Rebecca Pidgeon, composed the film's musical score. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- David Mamet
- Genres
- Drama
R,
- In Theaters
- Nov 4, 1994 Wide
- Studio
- Hallmark Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Overly schematic and the least effective screen adaptation of a David Mamet play.
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Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
...feels like it was made in a rush, on the cheap, and to fulfill a contractual obligation.... a disappointment compared to his House of Games or Heist, which at least possessed the fall-back position of being intermittently entertaining.
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Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
MGM's DVD edition of Oleanna presents a good clean print and transfer (1.66:1, non-anamorphic), but is otherwise wholly unremarkable.... MGM's disc lacks the featurette, stills gallery, and bios/filmographies found on the earlier Seville edition.
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Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World
Mamet's most frustrating movie
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
As to be expected, the Mamet-speak is sharp, witty and masterful.
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Cast
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William H. Macy
as John
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Debra Eisenstadt
as Carol
- Rebecca Pidgeon
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Scott Zigler
as Clerk in Copy Shop
- Debra Eisentadt
