Review of Homicide: The Movie (2000) by Nikolai E — 23 Jan 2009

HOMICIDE. Could there be a more straightforward title for a film? I fully expected to see a by-the-numbers police procedural, albeit with that distinctive Mamet touch. What I got was probably the most difficult and demanding film I've seen out of Mamet, with a lot of questions and absolutely no easy answers, which works to its advantage because despite the general feeling of artifice Mamet brings with him to the director's seat, it rings true metaphysically.

The standard parade of Mamet devices is on display, each of which is done better elsewhere, but I get the impression this film was extremely important to the man, like he's using the only tools he knows to tell the story he has to tell.

Great early performance by William H. Macy.