REVIEW: House of Games

10/10 - Who does he think he's dealing with, here? 

Reviewing movies often means reviewing new movies, since that's what most people's first instinct is to look for when they want to see something. What's new and being talked about. This review is a little something different. Less a review and more a recommendation.

House of Games is renowned author/ playwright/ screenwriter/ amazing writer of everything David Mamet's directorial debut. You might recognize his name from Glengarry Glen Ross.

The film is about a Margaret Ford, a psychiatrist who investigates the life of one of her patients, involving her in illegal gambling, con artists, and all kinds of shady dealings. It's a quality thriller because while Margaret is a foreigner in this world, she's smart and capable. It's both a journey and a puzzle. Combined with Mamet's snappy dialogue, this is a great watch.

Often I find when watching older movies (Older meaning older than say 10 years) I find myself distracted particularly by stylistic and pop culture trends. That's why I don't watch a lot of classics. I know, shoot me. But it's true. I don't want my takeaway to be a commentary of the popular genre that made that film relevant when it was made. To me, movies that are genuinely rooted in a quality story tend to live a longer shelf life. It's the argument I would make about why Clueless is a better movie than She's The Man. One tells a legitimate story, the other is a setup for jokes.

What makes a film like this resonate through the years is that it's deeply rooted in story. House of Games views like a stage play with emphasis on characters movements and dialogue, and limited sets and props. As a film, it's engrossing and diabolical. The emphasis on human psychology feeds the audience even if much of it is pseudoscience. There's something to be said about really examining human nature, like in House of Games. It's a study that can lead to endless stories and will never age.

In addition to just being a great watch, it's a tightly paced film, and I'm fascinated with the almost scientific structure. It's really a great movie to study.

If you haven't seen House of Games, track down a copy. It's a rewarding 90 minutes, not just for movie buffs and critics, for anyone looking for a film they can sink their teeth into.

IMDb - House of Games (7.3)
Wikipedia - House of Games
Rotten Tomatoes - House of Games (96%)
Amazon.ca - House of Games