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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Noir To Die For, January 5, 2003
This review is from: Public Eye [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This review refers to the VHS edition of "The Public Eye".....
Noir lovers and Pesci fans alike will be thrilled by this dark look at the underworld of New York City in the 1940's. It stars Joe Pesci as Leon "The Great Bernzini" Bernstein, photographer to the mob.
"Bernzy" as he is also called by those who know him well,will stop at nothing to get that great shot of the "dead guy" even before the cops arrive.The gorier the better. Bernzy has an in with not only the cops, but also the two ruling mafia gangs that are in control of the city. But Bernzy never takes sides, just the pictures. That is until the beautiful but unattainable Kay Levitz(Barbara Hershey) asks for a favor. He immediatly becomes enamored by her and will do anything for her.The "favor" has Bernzy becoming involved with dangerous black market schemes and a lethal war going on between the two mafia gang rivals. Bernzy has a chance to get the picture of a lifetime from information that he has obtained, and fulfill a promise to the woman he adores,although it may cost him his life.
Joe Pesci's performance of this character is captivating. He's a shutterbug who not only is always there to exploit the horrible murders he sees, but also artfully captures the life going on around him. Barbara Hershey is exquiste and keeps the mystery going, and Stanley Tucci also turns in a fine performance as an underworld figure. It was directed by Howard Franklin(Larger Than Life/Quick Change)who absolutely takes you into this seemy underworld and keeps you there.
The VHS is a good picture and the sound in Dolby Stereo(HI FI) is pleasing. I did not see it available in DVD,but it really should be!
Get the popcorn ready BEFORE you get involved with this one! It will have you so caught up with these characters and the story you may not be able to find a place to pause it, once you start it.......Laurie
also recommended:
Jimmy Hollywood
JFK - Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition)
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing film, April 23, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Public Eye [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is an amazing film. All of the photos shown in this movie, taken by joe pesci as the "Great Bernzini" or Bernzie, are actual famous photo's taken by Arthur Fellig or WeeGee. Called WeeGee after, at that time, the newly released Ouija Board, because utilizing his police radio in his car he arrived at crime scenes even before the police. This is as I said an amazing movie. The plot is enticing and was filmed as well as directed amazingly. For more information on Arthur Fellig or his Artwork, which is currently being displayed at museums around the country(...).
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic Mafia Beauty and the Beast Story, May 29, 2005
This review is from: Public Eye [VHS] (VHS Tape)
If you need car crashes, buildings blowing up, or somebody being cut open with a cooking knife to have fun, this isn't your kind of film. But...
This gritty Pesci film was a sleeper in the theatres. For movie buffs who like drama, intriguing story lines, and great acting...this movie is a classic for your collection.
Pesci plays a reporter who gets his pictures from the darker side of New York in the 1940's. He develops an attachment to his deceased friends wife, who runs a club and eventually runs into trouble with the local mob.
Its a wonderful, thoughtful, mature retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story. Wonderfully scripted characters, and totally believeable dialogue will transport you into a different era, and an expertly crafted tale.
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