Mamet's Most Dispiriting? (SPOILERS)

Unlike Robert Scott from 'Spartan' and Mike Terry from 'Redbelt', who ultimately prevail over those that sought to exploit them, Bobby Gold seems left in a massive lurch at the finale.

It was the first time in a long time that I felt as devastated as the character I was watching on-screen. Bobby Gold was an uncomplicated and honorable protagonist who, despite doing his best in a complex and imperfect world, brought disaster upon himself and those close to him e.g. Sully.

I will go out on a limb and say that Bobby Gold's inner conflict regarding his heritage clouded his better judgment to the point where he was unable to prevail.

While Robert Scott's loyalty to his superiors clouded his judgment and Mike Terry's code of the warrior clouded his, both protagonists nevertheless challenge the forces against them and emerge, while not unscathed, spiritually whole.

Bobby Gold is not so fortunate. The ending leaves me feeling that, in Mamet-land, heritage is the part of one's character most vulnerable to manipulation - one cannot see past heritage in times of crisis no matter what until it is too late.