Redbelt, his latest, is a curious one, a movie that hints at greatness only to retreat, unpardonably, into genre convention.

The Mamet rhythms are pleasingly in place: the repetition-rich dialogue, the head-butting close-ups as men go ego to ego.

Emily Mortimer is impressive as a jittery, unlikable attorney whose impulsive actions trigger Mike's descent. But it's Ejiofor's film all the way.

It's a solid involving story with a perfect ensemble cast and the usual pedigree associated with David Mamet's involvement in a film. I see more samurai than noir to this film's edge and style, but the elements are there for both.