House of Games

1987

House of Games

Critics Consensus

Galvanized by David Mamet's punchy dialogue and a a winding succession of surprises, House of Games is a terse thriller where confidence is currency.

96%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 26

79%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 6,478
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Movie Info

Playwright David Mamet's directorial debut House of Games is a tense psychological thriller about a uptight psychiatrist (Lindsay Crouse) who falls prey to a smooth-talking con-man (Joe Mantegna), and then proceeds to turn the tables on him.

Cast

Lindsay Crouse
as Margaret Ford
Joe Mantegna
as Mike
Mike Nussbaum
as Joey
Lilia Skala
as Dr. Littauer
Steve Goldstein
as Billy Hahn
J.T. Walsh
as Businessman
Willo Hausman
as Girl With Book
Karen Kohlhaas
as Prison Ward Patient
Jack Wallace
as Bartender, `House of Games'
Ricky Jay
as George/Vegas Man
Ben Blakeman
as Bartender, `Charlie's Tavern'
Scott Zigler
as Western Union Clerk
William H. Macy
as Sgt. Moran
John Pritchett
as Hotel Desk Clerk
Roberta Magure
as Restaurant Hostess
Meshach Taylor
as Mr. Dean
Johnny S.B. Willis
as Hotel Doorman
Josh Conescu
as Garage Attendant
Julie Mendenhall
as Late Student
Rachel Cline
as Student
Patricia Wolff
as Patient, Dr. Ford's Office
Paul Walsh
as Man in Restaurant
Roberta Maguire
as Restaurant Hostess
Jaqueline de la Chaume
as Woman with Lighter
G. Roy Levin
as Poker Player
Bob Lumbra
as Poker Player
Andy Potok
as Poker Player
Allen Soule
as Poker Player
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Critic Reviews for House of Games

All Critics (26) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (25) | Rotten (1)

View All Critic Reviews (26)

Audience Reviews for House of Games

  • Oct 02, 2015
    House of Games is one odd thriller. The world it takes place in feels empty; the whole thing seems to happen during off-hours. The vibe is on the laid back side, and carries the suggestion that one relax and be charmed by a bit of showmanship. Yet the film watches quick; the dialogue is all about making contact and moving the action. The delivery is artificially clever and dramatic. The characters feel so distant that I was not going to rate this up much, but then thought about it and realized the film still has a lot of good points to it. Recommended to those who enjoy character studies and a good magic trick.
    Robert B Super Reviewer
  • Aug 09, 2012
    Psychiatrist/author Lindsey Crouse, an icy observer who smokes more than a tire fire, gets more than she expects after getting involved with con man Joe Mantegna and his cronies. Hailed by Roger Ebert as the best film of 1987 (and 3rd on Siskel's list), there were certainly far fewer films of this devious ilk back then, but the modern seasoned film enthusiast will probably deduce the destination several stops ahead of time. Still a good watch though, one of David Mamet's best scripts and as director he uses light & shadow to good effect.
    Doctor S Super Reviewer
  • Sep 27, 2011
    A movie on conmen that as a movie is a con on the audience, clever or stupid? I was way ahead of this movie so I couldn't enjoy it the way it's written to be enjoyed. The performances are great and the dialogue is bright - it's a successful adaption, not an enjoyable movie.
    Jonny B Super Reviewer
  • May 18, 2011
    A real "pop corn muncher" of a movie...a true classic that holds onto your attention long before you realize that you...have been conned...LOL! A psychologist assists a suicidal patient a wee bit too far before she realizes that she too, is in too deep. See this flick it is an eye opening winner!
    Fascade F Super Reviewer
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