State and Main Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Hollywood types descend on a small town, can’t keep it in their pants, and then they all film something, probably.

🍿 State and Main: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Trouble in New Hampshire

The movie begins with a film production abruptly leaving New Hampshire due to unspecified ‘excessive demands’ from the locals. This sets the stage for the comedy of errors that follows, as the production seeks a new location and attempts to keep the film on schedule and within budget.

Waterford, Vermont: A New Hope?

The film crew, led by director Walt Price and producer Marty Rossen, settles on Waterford, Vermont, drawn by the promise of a picturesque setting and, crucially, an ‘Old Mill’ central to their film’s narrative. The writer, Joseph Turner White a playwright is quickly enlisted to rewrite the script.

Complications Arise

The crew soon discovers that Waterford’s ‘Old Mill’ burned down in 1960, presenting a major problem for their film. Furthermore, the cast and crew’s personal lives begin to intertwine with the town’s residents, leading to humorous and chaotic situations. Tensions rise as the director fights with his actors.

Legal and Moral Dilemmas

The film faces further complications when the male lead, Bob Barrenger, becomes entangled in a scandal involving an underage girl. Meanwhile, the female lead, Claire Wellesley, develops religious objections to a nude scene, demanding a significant pay raise to proceed. With pressure mounting from the local politician.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joseph Turner White (Philip Seymour Hoffman): The screenwriter struggles with moral choices as he witnesses the film’s star’s indiscretions.
• Walt Price (William H. Macy): The film’s director desperately tries to keep the production afloat amidst chaos and scandal.
• Ann Black (Rebecca Pidgeon): A local bookstore owner who captures the heart of the screenwriter and influences his moral compass.
• Bob Barrenger (Alec Baldwin): The film’s leading man whose personal life threatens the entire production.
• Carla (Julia Stiles): A local teenager whose involvement with the film star creates legal and ethical complications.
• Mayor George Bailey (Charles Durning): The town’s mayor who is initially eager to accommodate the film crew but is later involved in the ensuing chaos.
• Marty Rossen (David Paymer): The film’s producer who struggles to control costs and scandals.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ann Black: “Everybody makes their own fun. If you don’t make it yourself, it isn’t fun. It’s entertainment.” – Ann explains her perspective on life and entertainment to Joseph, highlighting the difference between active participation and passive consumption.
• Marty Rossen: “It’s not a lie. It’s a gift for fiction.” – The producer justifies bending the truth to achieve a desired outcome in the film production.
• Bob Barrenger: “I remember my lines. I just don’t remember what order they come in.” – Bob says this line, epitomizing the actor’s self-centeredness and lack of preparation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,944,471
• Worldwide Gross: $9,206,279

💥 State and Main Reviews

Personal Review

I loved the quirky characters and the way the movie poked fun at both Hollywood and small-town life. William H. Macy’s portrayal of the director was hilarious, and Philip Seymour Hoffman brought a lot of heart to his role as the screenwriter. The movie made me laugh, think, and appreciate the absurdity of it all. Definitely a gem I’ll revisit.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of David Mamet’s writing and directing style”
  • “Viewers interested in satire and comedies about the film industry”
  • “Those who appreciate ensemble casts and witty dialogue”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Implied statutory rape (though not shown explicitly)”
  • “Adult language”
  • “Suggestive situations”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Mamet gets in some good acerbic digs at show business and isn’t afraid to make anyone and everyone look the fool. After all, it’s only “just a movie” to us–to them, it’s brain surgery at a cost. The cast seems to be having a great time, Alec Baldwin in particular. Philip Seymour Hoffman has never been so benign–and that’s a good thing.
• IMDb: “Mamet turns to light comedy and succeeds, even if as times it’s a little too light. The film is mainly supported (besides a clever script) by it’s cast including William H. Macy delivering some good laughs as a director who comes off like he did in Fargo. Phillip Seymour Hoffman makes good as a writer.

Audience Reactions

The quick-witted dialogue and ensemble cast made it hilarious.: Most viewers found the film to be a smart, funny, and well-acted satire of the movie industry and small-town America.

Overall Consensus: A clever and well-acted satire that offers a humorous look at the clash between Hollywood and small-town values, though some find it too quirky or uneven.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was filmed primarily in Massachusetts, despite being set in Vermont.”
• “The former Belmont School in Malden, Massachusetts, was used for courtroom and stage scenes.”
• “David Mamet, the writer and director, makes a cameo appearance as a writer.”

🖥️ How to Watch State and Main?

Currently, ‘State and Main’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check these services for current streaming options, as availability may vary. You can also find DVD copies for purchase online.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed State and Main, you might like these similar films:

• Living in Oblivion (1995): Shares the theme of the chaotic and often absurd nature of independent filmmaking.
• Bowfinger (1999): Both are comedies that satirize the eccentricities and desperation of the movie-making process.
• The Player (1992): Critiques Hollywood culture and the often unscrupulous behavior behind the scenes.
• Adaptation. (2002): Deals with the struggles and absurdities of screenwriting and adapting a book for the screen.

🛒 State and Main Related Products

• Glengarry Glen Ross (Blu-ray): Another David Mamet classic, offering a gritty and intense look at the cutthroat world of real estate sales, with powerful performances from a stellar cast. A must-have for fans of Mamet’s sharp dialogue and character-driven stories.
• Fargo (Special Edition): Starring William H. Macy, ‘Fargo’ is a darkly comedic crime thriller. This special edition offers bonus content and a unique viewing experience.
• David Mamet: A Life in the Theatre: A biography exploring the career and creative process of David Mamet, offering insights into his plays, films, and unique writing style. A valuable resource for those interested in the man behind ‘State and Main’.

🎧 Soundtrack

State and Main features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Song of the Old Mill” – performed by Patti LuPone

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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