Homicide, David Mamet's ponderous film about a Jewish cop losing his way, loses its way whenever it wanders from the scene of the crime
Homicide (1991)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:20
Fresh:20
Rotten:0
Average Rating:7.3/10
Synopsis: In HOMICIDE, writer-director David Mamet begins with the cinematic stereotype of the tough cop--Bobby Gold (Joe Mantegna), a detective hot on the heels of a fugitive named Randolph (Ving Rhames).... In HOMICIDE, writer-director David Mamet begins with the cinematic stereotype of the tough cop--Bobby Gold (Joe Mantegna), a detective hot on the heels of a fugitive named Randolph (Ving Rhames). But Gold gets sidetracked when a Jewish family requests that he be assigned to the investigation of their matriarch's murder. It isn't long before the stereotype breaks down and Gold is revealed as a self-hating Jew who has spent his life seeking the approval of tough guys, having gone so far as to become one himself. Meanwhile, the case leads him to discover a clandestine war between an anti-Semitic group and a Zionist league--which calls on Gold to ignore his duty as a cop and remember his duty as a Jew. As in other Mamet films (especially THE SPANISH PRISONER), Gold is a hero who scratches the surface one day, only to discover that the world is far more complicated than he ever imagined and that he must make moral choices he never planned on making. Perennial Mamet actors Rebecca Pidgeon, William H. Macy, and Ricky Jay lend support in minor but pivotal roles. [More]
Starring: Joe Mantegna, Natalija Nogulich, William H. Macy
Starring: Joe Mantegna, Natalija Nogulich, William H. Macy
Director: David Mamet
Director: David Mamet
Reviews for Homicide
The doomy mood of the final scenes packs a wallop that's missing from Mamet's more contrived narratives.
a high wire neo-noir that bravely incorporates the urban thriller with the crazy twist of religious conversion and the saving/condemning of a divided soul.
As Mamet writes, so he directs -- his shots get to the point, usually one we don't forget.
I still like the movie for the way it immerses itself in each moment, and for the intense way it moves and sounds.
A trama policial é uma mera ferramenta para que o protagonista inicie uma angustiante jornada de auto-descoberta, levando a um desfecho que, como tantos outros na obra de Mamet, prima pela ironia .
Mamet's morality tale about a tormented Jewish identity is sincere but unfortunately the film becomes earnest, turning Bobby and the other Jewish characters into self-righteous men; contrived plotting doesn't help either.
Another ethical exploration by Davd Mamet, this time looking at the meaning of integrity.
More Movies
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 70% 70% | Where the Wild Things Are | 03/12 |
| 83% 83% | Paranormal Activity | 03/12 |
| 89% 89% | Zombieland | 03/12 |
| 77% 77% | The Informant! | 03/12 |
| | The Strength of Water | 03/12 |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- Homicide at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

Tim Burton's costume designer talks to Movieline about her long collaboration with the filmmaker and Johnny Depp.

The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox

We've got 20 copies of the hit TV series' Pilot Episode to giveaway.

Double passes up for grabs to the new comedy starring Paul Giamatti.

Get all the latest movie updates, reviews, interviews and features here.
Competitions

Enough Prequel, Original Trilogy and Family Guy DVDs to fill a space cruiser

Everything from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace could be yours.

We're giving away the 10th Anniversary Blu-ray, plus Braveheart and the Rocky collection



Top Critic

