Sputtering anger of 1980s America

When “Edmond” was first performed on stage in the early 1980s, it was possible, especially in those early “Morning in America” Reagan years, to recognize David Mamet’s play as a timely dissection of what is now commonly referred to as the Angry White Male. Indeed, Mamet implies that Reagan’s rise largely emerged from the amorphous, seething resentments of its eponymous antihero, a white-collar mouse-turned-monster whose last name, Burke, makes a not-so-indirect reference to modern conservatism’s patron saint. The resentments remain intact in the new filmed version of “Edmond.”

Both director Stuart Gordon and Mamet stalwart William H. Macy in the title role deftly orchestrate the tensions that, in one terrible night, transform Edmond Burke from a middle-management drone into a racist, knife-wielding marauder. In between, Edmond leaves his wife (Rebecca Pidgeon), is rebuffed by a series of hookers, then mugged by teenage scam artists.

After reclaiming what he believes to be his manhood in a bloody scuffle with a pimp, Edmond the Every-Nerd successfully scores with a barmaid (Julia Stiles) with whom he frantically shares bigoted notions before spinning completely out of control. From then on, his search for love and meaning takes unexpected new directions.

Gordon, a veteran of both Grand Guignol horror comedies such as 1985’s “Re-Animator” and the Chicago theater scene that nurtured Mamet, turns out to be the perfect choice for this material. “Edmond” does, on the surface, seem very much a contemporary tale of urban terror. Yet despite the best efforts of all concerned, what seemed explosive and provocative two decades ago now comes across as schematic and artificial.

“Edmond” the play may have been news in its day. But “Edmond” the movie seems only to be getting around to deepening its effect just as it’s winding down. A sequel may be called for. But whether we want or need to see one opens one can of worms too many.

*

‘Edmond’

MPAA rating: R for violence, strong language and sexual content including nudity and dialogue

A First Independent Pictures release. Director Stuart Gordon. Screenplay by David Mamet, based on his play. Director of photography Denis Maloney. Editor Andy Horvitch. Running time: 1 hour, 22 minutes.

Exclusively at Laemmle’s One Colorado Cinemas, 42 Miller Alley (inside plaza, Fair Oaks Avenue at Union Avenue), Pasadena, (626) 744-1224; Sunset 5, 8000 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 848-3500.

William H. Macy and director Stuart Gordon will appear after the 7:30 p.m. show Friday and Saturday at the Sunset 5 and after the 12:30 p.m. show Sunday at One Colorado.