Homicide **** (1991, Joe Mantegna, William H Macy, Vincent Guastaferro, Ving Rhames, Natalija Nogulich, Rebecca Pidgeon, Ricky Jay, J J Johnston) – Classic Movie Review 7832

The 1991 movie Homicide is a smart, upmarket neo-noir crime thriller from clever writer-director David Mamet, who ignores some of the genre’s thrills at his peril in a look at anti-Semitism and racism.

Joe Mantegna is superb as Bob Gold, a self-denying Jewish homicide detective facing an identity crisis while on the case of an old shopkeeper’s killing and another involving a drug-dealing cop-killer, leading him to fall in with a Zionist group.

Mamet ensures some great, authentic atmosphere and spicy, telling dialogue, as well as a tense finish, though there is an uncomfortable feeling that he has bitten off more than he can chew. And, with Mamet great with choosing and directing actors, the performances are all outstanding.

Homicide is dark-toned, depressing and untidy, but it hits the button by being intelligent and compelling.

Also in the cast are William H Macy, Natalija Nogulich, Ving Rhames, Rebecca Pidgeon, J J Johnston, Jack Wallace, Vincent Guastaferro, Colin Stinton, Charles Stransky, Roberta Custer and Ricky Jay.

Homicide is directed by David Mamet runs 1991 minutes, is made by J&M, Pressman, Cinehaus, is released by First Independent, is written by David Mamet, is shot by Roger Deakins, is produced by Michael Hausman and Edward R Pressman, is scored by Alaric Jans, and is designed by Michael Merritt.

RIP Ricky Jay (1948–2018).

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7832

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com