One of the most perceptive, intelligent films about "being driven" ever made. And darkly funny. A real mind-trip. Be careful of what you really covet.
This film as an entity (forgetting it's a Mamet entirely) is simply amazing. It functions on a level of cool that I can only compare to something like Le Cercle Rouge. Of course that film uses silence and harrowing themes and nearly no dialog, its rhyming pattern registers on the same level for me. I've always wished more directors would go for this direction. Incidentally, the new "Brothers Bloom" film is said to derive heavy influence to "House of Games"
Watch Spartan or Heist this robotic emotionless unrealistic dialog is present in those two movies. And those are 2 of my favorite movies. A lot of people will not "get it" because it sounds so off. Some of the phrases are really odd as well. And its true no down to earth person would say, "Lets talk turkey" or "Indicate you heard me" or "What is going to happen to the girl" in chops. This flick was cool I admit but again its not for everyone.
i thought Heist was too clunky, it just felt like mamet did this to pay his mortgage and his soul wasnt really in it...but each to their own. Spartan i havent seen, so thanks for the tip thrasher ..i'll give it a look
Spartan is a somewhat action/conspiracy movie. Its not the best by any means but a lot of people that are into firearms or military type movies seem to like this one because it is somewhat realistic in the weapons handling and tactics I guess
Let's be candid: Mamet's a not-so-great playwright who married well. He got into the Crouse Family, got himself all polished up, and he writes material that Sam Shepard could have done, with his non-dominant hand, while drunk, at the age of 11. Ibsen's a playwright. Shepard and Kleist too. Mamet's closer kin to Kelly Klein.
Wrouch. I never got into Mamet's stuff (know nothing of his theater work) but Glengary really is a masterpiece of sorts. I have to say though, I never really got the whole 'Mamet' thing
David Mamet is the writer and Director. He has written many stage plays. Most of his Movies come from a play he wrote. The way the Characters speak is deliberate. It's called "MAMET SPEAK" Banter... The way people talk in choppy words and broken sentences. Back and forth. Fast. In a Mamet Screen play the Actors are required to say every word on the page. It's not BAD ACTING. Yes, hard to get used to. Please see his other works too. THINGS CHANGE. BUFFALO NICKEL. GLENGARRY GLENN ROSS. Etc...
Whoa...that's what I'm talking about momma. Give me 2 more orders of that, heavy on the hashfries. Just keep it comin'. I'm backing the truck up. Love it!!!
i dont care what you all say , i love this film to bits even watching it knowing whats coming is a delight coz its so well crafted ...but ...some of the acting is as hammy as very hammy slice of ham..
Do you know who David Mamet is? David Mamet is the writer and Director. He has written many stage plays. Most of his Movies come from a play he wrote. The way the Characters speak is deliberate. It's called "MAMET SPEAK" Banter... The way people talk in choppy words and broken sentences. Back and forth. Fast. In a Mamet Screen play the Actors are required to say every word on the page. It's not BAD ACTING. Yes, hard to get used to. Please see his other works too. You will get the idea.
brilliant film
silvanusslaughter 6 months ago
"Thank you ma'am... may I have some more?" *BLAM BLAM BLAM*
LordSnow69 8 months ago
One of the most perceptive, intelligent films about "being driven" ever made. And darkly funny. A real mind-trip. Be careful of what you really covet.
palatinesouth 9 months ago
this film is GENIUS top to bottom, music, dialog, twists, all of it
SilvioFavorites 11 months ago
you're a bad pony I'm not gonna bet on you!
scottmanduzy 1 year ago
People who don't like Mamet. Fuck off, I got nothing to say to you.
archer1949 1 year ago 2
Somebody post the whole film..........please.
851corsa2 3 years ago 5
House of Games is my favorite Lindsay Crouse film.
LindsayCrouseFan 3 years ago
This film as an entity (forgetting it's a Mamet entirely) is simply amazing. It functions on a level of cool that I can only compare to something like Le Cercle Rouge. Of course that film uses silence and harrowing themes and nearly no dialog, its rhyming pattern registers on the same level for me. I've always wished more directors would go for this direction. Incidentally, the new "Brothers Bloom" film is said to derive heavy influence to "House of Games"
touchogrey 3 years ago
Watch Spartan or Heist this robotic emotionless unrealistic dialog is present in those two movies. And those are 2 of my favorite movies. A lot of people will not "get it" because it sounds so off. Some of the phrases are really odd as well. And its true no down to earth person would say, "Lets talk turkey" or "Indicate you heard me" or "What is going to happen to the girl" in chops. This flick was cool I admit but again its not for everyone.
thrasher123 3 years ago
also did you catch the "touch of the brim" and the "Brush of the shoulder"? code. it was also used in Heist...
thrasher123 3 years ago
i thought Heist was too clunky, it just felt like mamet did this to pay his mortgage and his soul wasnt really in it...but each to their own. Spartan i havent seen, so thanks for the tip thrasher ..i'll give it a look
Raj
whyraj 3 years ago
Spartan is a somewhat action/conspiracy movie. Its not the best by any means but a lot of people that are into firearms or military type movies seem to like this one because it is somewhat realistic in the weapons handling and tactics I guess
thrasher123 3 years ago
Let's be candid: Mamet's a not-so-great playwright who married well. He got into the Crouse Family, got himself all polished up, and he writes material that Sam Shepard could have done, with his non-dominant hand, while drunk, at the age of 11. Ibsen's a playwright. Shepard and Kleist too. Mamet's closer kin to Kelly Klein.
dudleymooresballs 3 years ago 2
Wrouch. I never got into Mamet's stuff (know nothing of his theater work) but Glengary really is a masterpiece of sorts. I have to say though, I never really got the whole 'Mamet' thing
touchogrey 3 years ago
My first comment was in response to Dudleymooresballs btw.
touchogrey 3 years ago
@dudleymooresballs I disagree wholeheartedly. Glengarry is a pulitzer prize winning piece of work!
scottmanduzy 1 year ago
David Mamet is the writer and Director. He has written many stage plays. Most of his Movies come from a play he wrote. The way the Characters speak is deliberate. It's called "MAMET SPEAK" Banter... The way people talk in choppy words and broken sentences. Back and forth. Fast. In a Mamet Screen play the Actors are required to say every word on the page. It's not BAD ACTING. Yes, hard to get used to. Please see his other works too. THINGS CHANGE. BUFFALO NICKEL. GLENGARRY GLENN ROSS. Etc...
goody2shoes11 3 years ago
Whoa...that's what I'm talking about momma. Give me 2 more orders of that, heavy on the hashfries. Just keep it comin'. I'm backing the truck up. Love it!!!
syme1984 3 years ago
Love this film,
okee9 3 years ago
i dont care what you all say , i love this film to bits even watching it knowing whats coming is a delight coz its so well crafted ...but ...some of the acting is as hammy as very hammy slice of ham..
..did i say it was hammy?
whyraj 4 years ago
@whyraj The acting is very much in keeping with a David Mamet production. Note the similarities in Glengarry Glennross.
LordSnow69 8 months ago
Great dialogue.
klumberg 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
the acting is terrible!
chuchunezbie 4 years ago
The characters talk artificially, as if they're concealing something. And they are, so it works.
SpacForever 4 years ago 3
@SpacForever exactly !
echo680 1 year ago
Do you know who David Mamet is? David Mamet is the writer and Director. He has written many stage plays. Most of his Movies come from a play he wrote. The way the Characters speak is deliberate. It's called "MAMET SPEAK" Banter... The way people talk in choppy words and broken sentences. Back and forth. Fast. In a Mamet Screen play the Actors are required to say every word on the page. It's not BAD ACTING. Yes, hard to get used to. Please see his other works too. You will get the idea.
goody2shoes11 3 years ago 2
I wanna be friends with Ricky Jay.
Latigoliath 4 years ago
+ remember: it's hammy because they are all engaged in acting for one another.
charliebrownhead 4 years ago
A great film in classic Mamet meter. Her Freudian slip while lunching with her mentor indicates she grew up in a 'house of games.'
She is the greatest long-con artist of all of them...
charliebrownhead 4 years ago 2