Homicide [Criterion Collection]

MOVIE DESCRIPTION:

The third film written and directed by playwright David Mamet, this combination of crime drama and character study stars several of Mamet's stock players. Joe Mantegna stars as Bobby Gold, a detective with a gift for negotiation who, along with his partner Tim Sullivan (William H. Macy), accidentally stumbles upon a crime scene -- the murder of an elderly Jewish woman in her corner store. When it turns out that the victim was politically well-connected and Jewish, Bobby's superiors assign him the case because he's also Jewish. The problem is that Bobby isn't very religious and he resents being taken off a higher profile drug investigation involving a dealer, Randolph (Ving Rhames). Bobby's also highly skeptical when the murdered woman's family claims that her death was not a simple robbery but an anti-Semitic hate crime. As he gets deeper into his case, however, Bobby discovers that a larger conspiracy may be afoot, and he begins to question his own ethnic roots. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

DVD FEATURES:

• Region: 1
• Number of Discs: 1
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 (Theatre Wide Screen)
• Screen: Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV
• Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
• Features:
  • Audio commentary featuring writer-director David Mamet and actor William H. Macy
  • New video program featuring interviews with recurring Mamet actors Steven Goldstein, Ricky Jay, J.J. Johnston, Joe Mantegna and jack wallace
  • Gag reel
  • TV spots
  • A booklet featuring an essay by critic Stuart Klawans

AWARDS

• Independent Spirit Awards

•     Nominated Best Cinematography - 1991 (Roger Deakins)
•     Nominated Best Picture - 1991
•     Nominated Best Supporting Actor - 1991 (William H. Macy)

• Los Angeles Film Critics Association

•     Won Best Cinematography - 1990 (Roger Deakins)

• National Board of Review

•     Nominated Best Picture - 1991

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Cast:

  
       Joe Mantegna - Bobby Gold
       William H. Macy - Tim Sullivan
       Natalia Nogulich - Chava
       Ving Rhames - Randolph
       Rebecca Pidgeon - Miss Klein
       Vincent Guastaferro - Lieutenant Senna
       Lionel Mark Smith - Charlie Olcott
       Jack Wallace - Frank
       J.S. Block - Dr. Klein
       Adam Bitterman - Young Bodyguard

• Director:

  David Mamet

• Producer:

  Michael Hausman, Edward R. Pressman, Ron Rotholz

• Screenwriter:

  Kim Gyngell, Philip Dalkin, David Mamet

• Cinematographer:

  Roger Deakins

• Composer (Music Score):

  Alaric Jans

• Editor:

  Barbara Tulliver

• Production Designer:

  Michael Merritt

• Art Director:

  Susan Kaufman

• Associate Producer:

  Andy Armstrong, Matthew Carlisle

• Set Designer:

  Susan Kaufman

• Costume Designer:

  Nan Cibula

• Stunts:

  Andy Armstrong, Chuck Jeffreys

REVIEW:

• Homicide is writer/director David Mamet's exploration of self-identity in a modern society. Using police detective Joe Mantegna's murder investigation as a framework, Mamet focuses on the psychology of his main characters, and in the process offers up ample amounts of pitch-perfect dialogue. Though the procedural elements of the detective genre are present, Homicide is much richer than a standard genre film, with ample opportunity for sterling performances from Mantegna and supporting cast members William H. Macy and Ving Rhames. Despite its low budget, the film has the look of a more expensive production, thanks largely to Roger Deakins's superb cinematography. There's a considerable amount of detail that becomes increasingly important as the film progresses; though its plot may challenge some viewers, Homicide proves to be a thoroughly rewarding experience. ~ Richard Gilliam, Rovi