Identity politics is a concept that is promoted for basis of everything about modern Western civilisation. Its effects on people and their everyday lives are something that can be explored in different ways. That includes even genres films, like Homicide, 1991 crime thriller written and directed by David Mamet, known as one of his most thought-provoking films.
Plot begins when FBI botches raid on the home of Robert Randolph (played by Ving Rhames), black cop-killing drug dealer, who escapes and goes into hiding, creating political hot potato for local authorities. They would like that issue gets resolved peacefully with Randolph being brought under custody alive. The person most qualified for the job is Bobby Gold (played by Joe Mantegna), homicide detective with distinguished record of successful hostage negotiator. He is put in charge of operation to locate Randolph via his friends and family. Fate intervenes when, while on his way, Gold has to deal with the murder scene in black ghetto – an old candy store whose owner, elderly Jewish lady, got killed during apparent robbery. Gold would have nothing to do with the seemingly mundane case, but Dr. Klein (played by J. S. Block), the victim’s son, happens to be politically connected and arranges for Gold to be put in charge of investigation. Gold is confronted by other members of victim’s family who claim that they are subjected to intimidation and that the unfortunate woman might have been target of anti-Semitic conspiracy. Gold is sceptical at first, but soon finds hints about possible involvement of neo-Nazis and white supremacists. He also begins to rediscover his own, until that time suppressed, Jewish identity, especially after getting in touch with small cabal of Zionist vigilantes that offer to provide additional information.
David Mamet, one of the most celebrated playwrights in today’s America, has found an interesting way to deal with the sensitive issues of ethnic identity in modern society. He does it through sometimes conflicting frames of character study and conventional murder mystery. Protagonist, brilliantly played by Mamet’s old friend Joe Mantegna, is at first portrayed as person without any personal issues or identity other than policeman; the only loyalty he feels is to the job and, consequently, to the ethnically and racially diverse set of his colleagues that include Irish policeman Tim Sullivan (played by William H. Macy in one of his first significant roles). Only gradually, when Gold, against his better judgment, gets involved in murder investigation and during it constantly reminded of his Jewishness and the plight his people suffered through history, he begins to question his moral and professional priorities. Mamet adds to it couple of interesting twists that would allow the audience to see the whole affair from different perspectives.
Homicide is good film, but it is far from perfect. Mamet as director is solid, but film still has some issues with pace and, despite his knack for “clever” street dialogue, many characters here, including protagonists, have annoying habit of repeating what they have just said. The transformation of the protagonist occurs too quickly and his actions in final segments doesn’t seem fitting of someone with a reputation of experienced police professional. The ending is also somewhat too convenient and overly melodramatic, at least for a film which was supposed to be realistic depiction of important issues. Homicide in the end seems a little bit too clockwork for its own good. However, if the audience is willing to disregard those flaws, this film can be recommended as intelligent exploration of some interesting subjects of conflicting loyalties in modern world.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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