"Homicide"

Film Review # 116528

Film > Analysis, Criticism, Etc.

"Homicide"

A review of David Mamet's film "Homicide".

920 words () | 0 sources | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper shows how David Mamet's film "Homicide" is a compelling study of contrasts, with a wealth of heavy-handed symbolism and dark, over-played metaphors. The paper describes the storyline and highlights the ultimate message of devastating loneliness, where Bobby, the Jewish main character is left with no identity. The paper concludes that Hollywood can and has always played a significant role in enhancing Jewish literacy and in perpetuating Jewish stereotypes.

From the Paper:

"Bobby Gold is a homicide detective specializing in hostage negotiation. The homicide department is an ethnic cross section of America's melting pot and regardless of background (black, white, Asian, Italian, Irish, etc.), the band of brothers are cops first and foremost. They share a goal, a language, and a lifestyle. Everyone else is outsiders, especially the FBI.
"Bobby's Jewish ethnicity put a chip on his shoulder but doesn't really mean anything to him until he becomes accidentally involved in investigating the murder of an old Jewish woman. Actually, that's one of the themes of the movie - how much happens by accident. In the process of investigating the murder he begins investigating himself."