Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1992: Alec Baldwin in Glengarry Glen Ross

Alec Baldwin did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Blake in Glengarry Glen Ross.

Glengarry Glen Ross has a terrific ensemble from Jack Lemmon's leading work, that I still scratch my head over how he failed to get any awards traction for, Pacino rightfully nominated turn, Ed Harris's portrayal of the loudmouth who blames everyone but himself, Kevin Spacey as one of the most punchable characters ever written, and Alan Arkin and Jonathan Pryce do some strong work as well in their smaller roles as rather meek men. Baldwin is actually only in one scene in the film early on as a motivational speaker of sorts who is sent by the men at the head office to "inspire" the salesmen who have been in a bit of slump. This role was not in the original play, and apparently written specifically for Baldwin to perform in the film.

Baldwin only has one scene yet his monologue is consistently one of the most mentioned aspects of the film. There is a reason for this as it is brilliantly written by David Mamet to be sure, but it is also brilliantly played by Baldwin. Blake begins his rant by basically bringing silence to the room and stating firmly that Lemmon's Shelley Levene is not allowed coffee because only closers can I have coffee. Closers referring to those salesman who manage to actually sell the properties they are hocking and close the deal completely. Baldwin starts like a military commander who has a serious bug up a certain part of his body as Blake verbally abuses all of the men without hesitation. Baldwin delivery and demeanor is fierce as if Blake could burst into violence at any moment although he won't it is the level of intensity that Baldwin brings to the role.

Baldwin's makes every insult sting just as it should and perfectly exemplifies the severity of the situation for the salesman by showing just how stinking uncaring Baldwin plays Blake as. Of course the viciousness Baldwin brings to the part is entertaining and gets the point across quite brutally, but I don't think it would be as memorable if he did not also bring across the more inspiring aspects of the speech. Well inspiring so to speak, as the reason Blake is there is to inspire them not to go make them go into despair, although the two can be confused but that's definitely the point. Baldwin makes the right changes in tone at the right moments such as when he seems to lighten up ever so slightly when asking Levene if he is going to grab those opportunities that are so obvious, or when he quiets down a little bit for some more direct humiliation for Ed Harris's character.

The film obviously continues for some time after Baldwin leaves as he has no additional scenes or even reminders in the script that callback to his character. Baldwin has just the one scene to call his own, but boy does he call it his own. Baldwin does not waste a second of the monologue and gives it the tremendous  impact it should have setting what it is that the men are up against really, but as well just being a scene that is great to watch. Baldwin's performance is fitting to the strength of the writing and the two come together in a most beautiful and brutal tandem. Although he has only one scene Baldwin still makes himself one of the very best parts of the film. With all the great moments it could have been easy to forget this one, that definitely does not happen though and it is no surprise that this is the most remembered scene of the film.