No, fortunately this is not another Tarantino clone; it is a little low budget gem starring Danny Devito and Kevin Spacey. The warning signs are there though, a film with two big name actors made in 1999 but not released in the UK until now. Based on a play, apparently called ‘Hospitality Suite’ and with a script written by the same guy who wrote the play, this film remains true to its theatrical origins and keeps the action mainly within a small hospitality suite in a large hotel and more power to it, as it remains engaging throughout.
Devito, Spacey and the third member of their group Peter Facinelli, work in marketing for a large cosmetics company, and are trying to land the ultimate contract for their boss. They are putting on a small presentation with the hope of convincing, a Mr. Dick Fuller, to provide them with a lucrative contract. But the film is not really about that, it is about their drive to land him and the price they all have to pay for the work that they do. Fracinelli is a rookie who is training up with the already established team of Spacey and Devito, old hands who have seen it all before. As with most films adapted from plays, this is a character study and as such is very wordy, usually in a good way. We begin to understand the mindset of a glorified salesman and the tensions that exist between the self and the image of self. Devito has had enough of the falseness of the whole situation, whilst Spacey accepts his role and only begins to doubt himself when confronted with Devito’s line of questioning. The young rookie serves as a bouncing board for both of their ideas. I won’t go in to plot details because at best it is sparse and it is the situation that I have already described that sits importantly for the characterisation.
Devito once again delivers a powerhouse performance. Whilst I was watching it I realised how great an actor he is. My mind was jumping back to TAXI, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS NEST and my own personal favourite, the classic TIN MEN. There is a scene where things have occurred that leave him in a reflective mood. He asks Spacey if he loves him. It is a truly heartbreaking scene and Devito’s minimalism leaves us in no doubt as to his inner feelings about the response he receives from Spacey. Not only does it expose Devito but it also draws out of Spacey’s character a question that he has probably never asked himself. This is a great scene! Later on, when we arrive at the big scene at the end of most plays, the one where they directly tackle the underlying themes of the previous scenes, we are witness to a great couple of moments that all extol the virtue of honesty. Devito is again quite revelatory and Spacey manages to salvage a few points for mostly over acting during the rest of the film (maybe this is his style for the character, it was unclear to my eye). Again a great scene and the second reason why you should get this on your DVD rental lists.
As to who the big kahuna of the title is, that remains a little more ambiguous. Cleary the guy they are trying to land their contract from is a big kahuna, but the film also moves towards including an underlying meditation on the nature of God, or from another angle blind faith, as well as the nature of living. God could easily be seen as the Big Kahuna looking down on these poor spent salesmen. Devito, in yet another scene recounts the moment when he was younger and dreamt about god and how from that moment on he always felt like he was made to do something great on earth. This contemplation eventually leads him into a new path by the films end. As he is clearly suicidal, although not overtly, his path has maybe been influenced by the notion of the big kahuna, even if he doesn’t directly believe in him, he has found a higher cause than his present predicament. Spacey on the other hand is full of the gift of the gab and only under pressure admits that he has contemplated his existence, but he is clearly an atheist and sees his work as something that defines him and guides him. From his perspective Dick Fuller, the man they are awaiting is the big kahuna. From Fracinelli’s perspective, God is definitely the big kahuna. He discusses god and faith with the clients, much to Spacey’s annoyance, instead of the contract that they are trying to land. Everyone it appears is driven by something or someone.
The DVD unfortunately has no extras. It does have subtitles though and even hard of hearing subtitles, so that should be enough to entice 10 quid out of your pockets? The picture is clear and the sound crisp. Technically I had no faults with it.
All in all, this is a little gem, just like SWIMMING WITH SHARKS was. A low budget, low cast, character piece, that makes you realise the true horror or Hollywood dialogue these days. This is back to basics, it is about people, life, faith, opportunities and the ridiculous rat race that we all buy into at the detriment of our own characters, whatever that may be. Spacey produced this one through Devito’s company Jersey Films (the same one that gave Tarantino his break with RESERVOIR DOGS, if you are looking for a really tenuous link) and more power to them for it. It has taken 6 years to make it out onto DVD but don’t be put of by this. If you are a fan of this type of film, or of either of the actors involved, especially Devito, then I strongly recommend you get hold of this one and give it a viewing. Good luck!
