Wikipedia / State and Main
Wikipedia / State and Main
State and Main is a 2000 American comedy-drama film written and directed by David Mamet and starring William H. Macy, Sarah Jessica Parker, Alec Baldwin, Julia Stiles, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rebecca Pidgeon, David Paymer, Patti LuPone, Clark Gregg, and Charles Durning.
Plot
Havoc is wrought on the inhabitants of a small New England town by a troubled film production. After Bob Barrenger, the leading man's penchant for underage girls gets them banished from their New Hampshire location, the crew moves to the small town of Waterford, Vermont 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, places his faith in the ability of first-time screenwriter Joseph Turner White to alter the script. What he doesn't count on is White's apparently bottomless reserve of angst-fueled writer's block. A local bookseller, Annie Black, tries to provide White with inspiration.
The film's leading lady, Claire Wellesley, refuses to do her contracted nude scene unless she's paid an additional $800,000, while the foreign cinematographer offends the locals by messing with a historic firehouse. Meanwhile, Barrenger dallies with Carla, a crafty local teen.
Everything comes to a head after Barrenger and Carla are injured in a car accident, which leads White (the only witness) to another emotional quandary and into the arms of Annie. Meanwhile, powerful movie producer Marty Rossen comes to town to help Price with the ensuing mess.
Cast
Production
The plot involves the on-location production in Waterford, Vermont, of a film called The Old Mill. The actual film was shot in Massachusetts in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Beverly, Dedham and Waltham.
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, it has an approval rating of 84%, based on 115 reviews. The website's critics consensus reads: "State and Main offers plenty of wit and laughs in its lampoons of the movie industry."
Awards
Won: Artios – Best Casting for Feature Film – Comedy (Avy Kaufman)
Chicago Film Critics Association
Nominated: Best Screenplay (David Mamet)
Won: Best Ensemble Cast
Won: Best Screenplay (David Mamet)
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
Won: Jury Award – Best Film (David Mamet)
Won: Best Supporting Male (William H. Macy)
Won: Best Acting by an Ensemble
Won: Best Ensemble Cast Performance (tied with Almost Famous)
Nominated: Best Screenplay (David Mamet)
Nominated: Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical
Nominated: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role – Comedy or Musical (Rebecca Pidgeon)
Nominated: Best Screenplay – Original (David Mamet)
Notes
External links