# Lakeboat (2000)

### reviewed by
David N. Butterworth

    LAKEBOAT
    A film review by David N. Butterworth
    Copyright 2001 David N. Butterworth

    *** (out of ****)

Written by that poet of profanity David Mamet ("State and Main," "Glengarry Glen Ross," "American Buffalo"), co-produced by and starring Tony Mamet (David's younger brother) and directed by longtime Mamet staple Joe Mantegna (with music by Bob Mamet, no less), "Lakeboat" is a family affair from start to finish.

Adapted from one of the playwright's early autobiographical plays, the film echoes Mamet's experiences aboard a Great Lakes cargo vessel shipping freight from Chicago to Canada and back again. On board the Seaway Queen, Mamet quietly observes the comings and goings--as well as the comic, profane, idiotic, and sometimes rather poignant banter--of its blue-collar crew. All of this has been lovingly brought to life by first-time director Mantegna (who, with few exceptions, handles himself admirably) and a first-class cast.

The film focuses on grad student Dale Katzman (Tony Mamet), who has opted to spend his summer working the 10pm-6am shift in the Seaway Queen's galley, making egg salad sandwiches for a motley crew of seaman who seem to have very little to do other than talk, talk, talk (in that regard the film mirrors the very special "Spring Forward" from earlier this year). These guys, however, shoot the breeze about sex, booze, and nothing in that lyrical, repetitive, and very profane David Mamet way.

With the exception of Tony Mamet, who often looks stranded amid the great Charles Durning, Peter Falk, Robert Forster and yes, even Denis Leary (in a pitch-perfect performance as the ship's firemen), the cast is marvelous, and the situations and vignettes dreamed up by the screenwriter bristle with wit and inventiveness.

It's not high drama or fast moving but if you love language (and, especially, love the way in which Mamet can turn language into music), then "Lakeboat" is for you.

    --
    David N. Butterworth
    dnb@dca.net

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