Review of House of Games (1987) by Mirabella 1 — 22 Jan 2010

Reminded me of an updated film of the 40s. House of Games isn't perfect, but it doesn't fail. But rather than talk about what I liked, here's whatever else. While Mamet's writing is top-notch, some of his dialogue feels like just that.

It has a very unnatural quality to it. It is also highly evident that the protagonist is being played right after the old man says he lost the money. Any attempt of a shocking twist is lost on anyone halfway intelligent.

And I didn't really enjoy the ending. That's not to say that it should have different, it's just interesting. While the main character's actions against Joe Mantegna are reasonable, I didn't find them to be very justified.

He knows he's an asshole, whereas she kills and steals and feels nothing. I would say that she is the greater evil of the two. But Mamet strikes me as the sort of person who would put these things in intentionally, and I can't say he is at fault.

And I will say that the poker scene is phenomenal, and the stand out scene of the film. I think that scene really makes this movie, and I wish the whole movie could have taken place around a poker table.

I feel that the film would be significantly less without that scene. While it may be no masterpiece, Mamet's House of Games is an otherwise enjoyable film and worth a viewing.