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The Water Engine

Play trailer The Water Engine TV-PG 1992 1h 37m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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In the economically bleak United States of the 1930s, machinist Charles Lang (William H. Macy) believes that his new creation -- an engine powered by water -- will change his industry for the better and provide him with enough money to properly care for his sightless sister. Unfortunately, as Charles tries to sell his idea, he finds that two crooked lawyers, Lawrence Oberman (Joe Mantegna) and Mason Gross (John Mahoney), employed by Big Oil are out to steal his idea and suppress his voice.

Critics Reviews

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Tony Scott Variety Director Steven Schachter goes for an arty mode of some filmmaking, with angled shots, stylized acting, Mamet's pseudo-naturalistic dialogue, and an unswerving storyline from which subplots bloom and fade. Jan 11, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member An allegorical "fable" based on Mamet's own stage play. It's a good suspense story that keeps you on your toes, but it goes over the top with its paranoia of "evil" corporations that apparently control every fabric of the society. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Water Engine

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Cast & Crew

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Steven Schachter

Director

William H. Macy

Charles Lang

Joe Mantegna

Lawrence Oberman

John Mahoney

Mason Gross

Movie Info

Synopsis In the economically bleak United States of the 1930s, machinist Charles Lang (William H. Macy) believes that his new creation -- an engine powered by water -- will change his industry for the better and provide him with enough money to properly care for his sightless sister. Unfortunately, as Charles tries to sell his idea, he finds that two crooked lawyers, Lawrence Oberman (Joe Mantegna) and Mason Gross (John Mahoney), employed by Big Oil are out to steal his idea and suppress his voice.
Director
Steven Schachter
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (TV)
Aug 24, 1992
Runtime
1h 37m
Sound Mix
Stereo