THE OBENSON REPORT

Possibly Chiwetel Ejiofor's "break-out" role? I use the term "break-out" loosely, since his face and name are (or should be) familiar to more than the average film enthusiast. He's certainly been around, and even starred in a few successful indie flicks (Dirty Pretty Things and Kinky Boots immediately come to mind); although one can't really zero in on that one specific role of his that really made audiences sit up and take notice.

Well, here, Ejiofor is assuming starring role duties in possibly the most important film of his career, directed by author, essayist, playwright, screenwriter, and film director, David Mamet, one of the more revered talents working within the studio system today. You may be familiar with some of his award winning efforts: Wag the Dog, State and Main, Glengarry Glen Ross, and of course, The Untouchables.

The film is called Redbelt and is said to be set in the west-side of Los Angeles fight world, inhabited by bouncers, cage-fighters, cops and special forces types. Redbelt, is the story of Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a Jiu-Jitsu teacher who has avoided the prize fighting circuit, choosing instead to pursue an honorable life by operating a self-defense studio with a samurai’s code. Terry and his wife Sondra (Alicia Braga), struggle to keep the business running to make ends meet. An accident on a dark, rainy night at the Academy between an off duty officer (Max Martini) and a distraught lawyer (Emily Mortimer) puts in motion a series of events that will change Terry’s life dramatically introducing him to a world of promoters (Ricky Jay, Joe Mantegna) and movie star Chet Frank (Tim Allen). Faced with this, in order to pay off his debts and regain his honor, Terry must step into the ring for the first time in his life.

Interesting story and cast of characters. I'm guessing Ejiofor will get to throw a few kicks and punches, which could be fun! The film is labeled as action/drama, and is scheduled for an April 25th release. Expect Mamet's usual clever, terse, stylized dialogue, and some commentary on masculinity.

Here's the trailer (audio and video are a little out of synch):