State and Main
User Score
6.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 7 out of 25

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  1. ChadS.
    Sep 4, 2004
    9
    Unlike The Coen Brothers' "Oh, Brother Where Art Thou", David Mamet's "State and Main" doesn't treat smalltown folks like affected hayseeds. In Mamet's world, the denizens of Vermont are allowed to be sophisticated, which could also an affectation, but it's better to be portrayed as smart rather than dumb. They're allowed to know the names of obscure playwrights, read Variety, and interact with Hollywood types without being at a disadvantage. Mamet's great achievement here is finding the right tone for the assembled film team. The rustic charm of the town and its inhabitants softens the pretty people's urban edge without effacing their immoral centers. At the center of "State and Main", is the wonderful pairing of Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Rebecca Pidgeon, who have the starry-eyed wonder of young lovers from "Our Town". They have a lot of chemistry. Who knew?… Expand
  2. MichaelO.
    Feb 9, 2001
    10
    Sharp dialogue and intertesting characters that I really cared about. A lot of fun.
  3. VD
    Nov 30, 2002
    10
    I loved it.
  4. Shane
    Jun 19, 2003
    10
    Philip Seymour Hoffman's greatest acting job, ever.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Jack Mathews
    88
    Gently hilarious comedy.
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  2. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Maitland McDonagh
    70
    Mamet's jabs at Tinseltown's silken ruthlessness are quietly pointed, and the ensemble cast -- even the brittle and sometimes annoying Pidgeon (Mamet's wife) -- is brilliant.
    Read full review
  3. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: Chris Kaltenbach
    88
    A snarling satire of Hollywood single-mindedness and its lack of any moral underpinning.
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