Although this made-for-HBO movie is clearly based on the trial of famed music producer Phil Spector, who was indicted for the murder of B-movie actress Lana Clarkson in 2003, writer-director David Mamet insists that it is a work of fiction. Not surprisingly, Phil Spector feels like a Mamet play, full of dialogue that combines philosophical arguments with psychological explorations. Al Pacino paces and rants throughout as Spector, the philosopher king in cartoonish hairdos and clothes—a flamboyant, eccentric celebrity driven as much by his own ego as he is by indignation over being accused of murder. Spector comes across as a canny professional with insights into culture who is oblivious to the way that the world views his behavior and attitudes. Helen Mirren costars as attorney Linda Kenney Baden, who is fascinated by Spector and convinced there is enough doubt in the evidence to find him not guilty. In fact, the script makes precisely that case—i.e., the evidence is inconclusive at best—and Mamet suggests that Spector is a scapegoat for other celebrity murder trials, thereby stacking the deck for an interpretation of Spector as martyred innocent without actually stating his belief in Spector's innocence (although Mamet has said so elsewhere). Unreliable as a biographical drama and less compelling than Mamet's best plays and screenplays, the film nevertheless boasts a certain freak show curiosity due to Pacino's over-the-top performance. An optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)
Phil Spector
HBO, 92 min., TV-14, DVD: $19.98 Volume 29, Issue 1
Phil Spector
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