Steve Martin in The Spanish Prisoner
One of the most influential comedians of all-time, Steve Martin left the comedy stage shortly after his screen career blossomed and rarely looked back. His manic turns in films like The Jerk soon transformed to parts where he played the bitter, dissatisfied straight men (Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Parenthood). It is that same slickness he possessed in those roles that made his most impressive dramatic turn, in the sly David Mamet thriller The Spanish Prisoner, so magnetic.
In the underrated thriller, Martin plays Jimmy Dell, a man of such sharp wit and laser focus that it’s no wonder the director picked him for the part. Martin was a comic who made many laugh due to finely tuned misdirection, so it was little surprise he was cast in this endlessly intriguing turn role, as a man who may be the antagonist.
The well-read actor also has the quality of someone who can get along with you one minute, then mumble a rude comment under his breath. Dell initially seems friendly to protagonist Joe Ross (Campbell Soctt), but becomes increasingly prickly as plot details come to light. Martin relished each smug attitude and forthright Mamet one-liner that he got, making him a perfect foil in this nifty, little, late 1990s thriller.
