Homicide (1991)

Great Film overall

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

The acting in this movie is really good.

I have deliberated whether to give it a 6 or a 7. From my point of view it should be somewhere around 6.5, but I think that a score of 7 would be to high for it.The good about 'Homicide' is the story and the fine act. I always found Joe Mantegna to be a good actor, playing smart, talkative characters. The plot is nice (though have some flaws).The main problem of the movie, in my opinion, is the slow pace. It takes about an hour till things start rolling. Its' pace and the twist at the end reminded me of Francis Ford Coppolas' 'The Conversation'. But its' shorter, and not as satisfying as the latter.

Strong performances by Joe Mantegna, William H. Macy, and others, somewhat offsets the hard to swallow script. Intelligent dialog permeates the film, and it does not lack action. What appears to be missing is an appropriate ending that ties up the many dangling plot threads. "Homicide" has a strong undercurrent of unanswered questions that will gnaw at the viewer following the rushed conclusion. Torn between two investigations, Mantegna's character is pivotal, and in the end his decisions seem neither logical or likely. Nevertheless, "Homicide" is far better than most police drama's and worth seeking out for the fine performances. - MERK

This movie is a class in movie-making 101, even on the cheap. Mamet shows what a great film you can write and produce with the most basic of sets. Half a dozen great stage and movie actors and excellent and basic staging.Mamet's writing style is poetry. At times, it is like watching something between an opera, a ballet and a Baptist church service. The call and response style to Mamet's writing is simple, pure and elegant. Mamet's cast of regular actors, also notably seen in "House Of Games" is superb.The original, sparse music adds a nearly documentary feel to the film. You can still find this in the "used" internet movie web sites on VHS for a buck and a half. THis is a great film and a great teaching film for aspiring film writers and directors.

Good people become bad in a group. They lose their vision when it is subverted by the group vision. You see this in government. You see it in religion. You see it in this film. Gold knows what is right. He is offended by a black city official's anti-semitism. He is appalled by the Nazi atrocities against Jews. He wants to help, only to be betrayed by Jews who hold their cause above their humanity. Unto yourself be true.