House of Games (1987)

Director: David Mamet

Story: David Mamet

Cast: Joe Mantegna, Lindsay Crusoe, Ricky Jay

Music: Alaric Jans

Time: 102 minutes

Bottom-line: Keeps you guessing constantly, and still surprises you

Human nature is a sucker bet.

David Mamet’s directorial career would start with this 1987 heist film, and later he would be known as one of the best, albeit underrated, directors of the quiet, simple psychological thriller films. Earlier known for his plays and movie scripts, House of Games goes on to show how good a director he can be. The film stars Joe Mantegna and Lindsay Crusoe in the lead roles.

Everybody gets something out of every transaction.

Dr Margaret Ford (Crusoe) is a psychiatrist who has just published a book. Yet, she feels that something is missing in her life. When one of her patients threatens to take his own life because he owes a large debt to a “Mike”, Margaret decides to visit Mike (Mantegna) in his pool hall, named “Hall of Games”. Just before she is swindled of her money, she catches their bluff. Intrigued to know more about the art of conning, she goes back to Mike, hoping to write a book based on this. As Margaret gets further involved in Mike’s cons, she finds herself caught in a mess involving murder, theft and thousands of dollars.  

Mantegna as Mike

You can't bluff someone who's not paying attention.

Here is a general trend of Mamet’s directorial features, or at least, those involving con men - every single character appears grey, until the very end, when you know who is good and who isn’t. Till then you always keep guessing. One aspect I found admirable is how he weaves the tale in a way that it seems so predictable, and then he proves you wrong, pretty much every time. Mamet also keeps the story relatively clean in terms of content - every scene is relevant.

Crusoe as Margaret

Joe Mantegna’s character is that of a con man, who “acts atrociously for a living.” From the suave suited-up trickster to the seemingly sensitive gentleman, Mantegna always keeps you wondering whether he's showing his genuine feelings or if they are all part of a con. Lindsay Crusoe’s acting is superb, especially in her phase of panic when she struggles to “forgive herself”. Her transition from the naive and innocent woman to one seeking revenge is remarkable. The other mysterious aspect of Mamet films is the way he depicts the romance between the lead characters - you think it is going one way but it is actually going the other.

With the regular plot twists - some which pop up after five minutes and some which pop up after an hour - supported by excellent acting by Mantegna and Crusoe, House of Games is effective because it is an intellectual thriller but maintains its simplicity.   

My Rating: 3.5/5

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 96%