HOMICIDE (1991)

Written & Directed By: David Mamet 
Cinematography By: Roger Deakins 
Editor: Barbara Tulliver 

Cast: Joe Mantegna, William H. Macy, J.J. Johnston, Rebecca Pidgeon, Vincent Gustaferro, Ron Butler, Erica Gimpel, Ving Rhames, Jonathan Katz, Ricky Jay 


Policeman Bob Gold has to capture a murderer that not even the FBI has been able to find. But before he can even start he is re-assigned to the murder of an old Jewish lady in a black area. The evidence points at a Jewish hate group and he discovers connections between them and his previous case.


Most of us are used to the television show, but what that show was based on was this movie.

The story is of Joe Mantegna’s detective who is looking to help the feds take down a drug lord but responded by to a back up call he gets immersed in a murder investigation he doesn’t want but the more he selves into the case. The more a conspiracy looks like it’s taking place. He tries to stay in charge of both cases but finds himself being spread thin. As he also soon has to come face to face with his jewish identity. While being anti-semetic and self hating himself.

As usual David Mamet has great dialogue that seems to have a rhythm to it, but the film watching it now is obviously dated and shows it’s age vividly. At the time before the typical police procedural this film was vivid and shocking showing more of the levels and elements to an investigation, but post LAW & ORDER. This seems quaint.

The film was probably revolutionary when it came out for it’s frank language and a seemed anti-Semitic based plot. Not to mention it’s mundane to dangerous day of a cop tone. Watching it now the film still feels special like it’s something different from the rest. But having seen so many films and shows that copied it’s formula including the loosely based television series. Watching it now the film feels like it’s ripping the copies off or fits in with them more than being it’s Own original. It all depends on which one you see first, of course this is an original with it’s own voice to tell a story.

Unfortunately I waited all these years to finally watch it. So it doesn’t pack the punch I’m sure it once did.

David Mamet’s direction is plain and bland but it feels richer for the movie. As it gives a more realistic depiction of the circumstances and a sense of the community and neighborhoods that they operate in.

Joe Mantegna in the lead finds himself in as usual with Mamet. That allows him to come alive more Rather than seeming like a stereotype as other directors seem to use him. In the films of Mamet he usually gets to show more range especially emotionally. Even though he Is usually a tough talker. He is one of the few actors you can always count on to do a good performance no matter what role. He is a good utility player. He doesn’t go over the top and plays his role good enough to make his character interesting without overshadowing the story or the other actors. Often times we are used to these actors being so good that we don’t give note or praise to these actors. When they either hit it out of the Park or just give a pitch perfect performance. Since he usually plays supporting characters this is really a rare chance to see him in a starring role and from his entrance into the film he owns it.

One really never gets into the conspiracy part of the film totally. It felt a little too sensationalistic for such a small type of film and story. It seemed bigger than it’s means. If they just kept the story in the culture. It would have felt more fulfilling.

The film also feels like an episode of a show that should continue. So you can see it through but instead it just ends leaving you at a loss plus again that dated quality of a film including the bad African American hairstyles we lived through to. The 1980’s but all in all it’s a stunning film worth watching

This is a bleak tale that never feels boring. Even if you’re not invested in the story. You stay invested for the memorable dialogue.


Grade: B-