On H List of Movie Reviews

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House of Games (1987)

Rate: 10
Viewed: 7/12, 8/15

HouseGames
7/12: I had seen Joe Mantegna in some films and found him a bland, serviceable actor who's incapable of giving a believable performance.

But he changed my opinion in House of Games. Joe Mantegna is hands down brilliant. A delicious neo-noir about confidence games and the world of con men, the movie is full of surprises.

The best part is when Mike, having figured it out, said, "Oh, you are a bad pony. And I'm not going to bet on you." If you look at the history of femmes fatales, they've always been good-looking and ladylike, but not Lindsay Crouse. Her character perfectly matches the title of book she wrote: Driven.

All in all, Joe Mantegna steals the show in House of Games which is one of the best written pieces by David Mamet.

8/15: "Oh, you are a bad pony. And I'm not going to bet on you."

It's the most famous line of House of Games which is probably the best film made about confidence games. There are many twists and turns that make it unpredictable. When I think of House of Games, I think of Joe Mantegna. It's a wonder why he wasn't nominated for an Oscar. He's brilliant and convincing as Mike.

It's not hard to understand why Lindsay Crouse's Margaret Ford was taken with Mike because he's a fascinating character. Many critics had dismissed Lindsay Crouse's performance, but I think she played her role to perfection and elevated the film fully by serving as a witness for the audience.

All in all, David Mamet is one of the best in the business when it comes to the art of storytelling.