The Public Eye

I first saw this film in a 1930's-40's movie theater (with the original large screen) and it fit perfectly with its noir themes and 40s style costumes. I had come to see it as a double feature with 'Delicatessen', and was surprised by the artistically satisfying black and white still photography that was flashed on the screen as examples of the main character's work. The actors well-crafted, enigmatic performances and the lavish interiors set an ambient mood that will stay with you after the film is over.

I stumbled across this film for the first time last night. I was immediately caught up by the 40's style back drops, especially in the initial club scene, and was reminded of every noir movie I've ever seen. At first I just watched to see what a terrible mess the modern cinema would make in modern styled noir film, it was late and I also detest Joe Pesci (whose foul mouth often detracts from his character) as a rule… but after a few minutes I was still watching. I read somewhere that Barbara Hershey looked like a clothes horse for classic 40's dresses, and in that, she did remind me of Veronica Lake, again in the noir style. In all it was a great attempt at capturing the feel of 40's Manhattan. The storyline flattens out in the middle and the end is a somewhat up/down affair but I still rate this film as a close runner behind L.A. Confidential. Its nice to see a well made and written movie that hasn't been torn apart to be more commercial. (8/10)

The Public Eye Before snapping the shot, the key to hip crime photography is ensuring the victim is wearing Ray-Bans. In the 1940s, however, fatalities had to be photographed wearing Bobby socks, like the ones in this crime-drama. Known for his inexplicable ability to be at a crime scene minutes after occurring, photographer Bernzy (Joe Pesci) makes his scratch selling snaps to the rags. One day a bar owner (Barbara Hershey) who claims she is being strong-armed by gangsters approaches Bernzy to find someone. Blinded by his infatuation with her, he agrees. But when that someone turns up dead, Bernzy becomes the prime suspect. Inspired by a real-life crime photography known for his prescient instinct, The Public Eye is a gritty film crime-noir with sharp dialogue, shadowy backdrops, and a suspenseful script. Incidentally, 1940s crime photographers make the worst fugitives since they always leave a trail of used flash bulbs in their wake. (Green Light) vidiotreviews.blogspot.ca

I am so used to seeing Joe Pesci as a mobster (Goodfellas, Casino, Once Upon a Time in America) that I never imagined him in any other role. Well, he certainly surprised me in this noir film as a photographer who took great pride in his work and never let his feeling get in the way - until this one time, and it almost cost him his life. Pesci was outstanding as the lonely photographer who imagined he could have a relationship with the gorgeous Barbara Hershey (The Portrait of a Lady, A World Apart, The Last Temptation of Christ). He trusted and had his heart ripped out. Isn't that usually the case! This is not a great film (written & directed by Howard Franklin), but it was entertaining to see another side of Pesci. Great work also by Stanley Tucci.

Well, I've just seen the movie tonight and Pesci is certainly great in it. I finally saw a side of him that I've never seen before. In almost all his other movies, he got on my nerves, but in this one, he managed to make me respect his acting. I have to agree with the other comments. I've never heard of this movie and that's too bad. It's very touching and gave me a feeling of je ne sais quoi... It's a very attractive movie in a quiet sort of way. I don't know. I really enjoyed it and it's too bad that it hasn't been credited as one of Pesci's best (if not THE BEST) movies.

'The Public Eye' has been one of my favorites since I first saw it ... my personal interest in Black & White photography initially attracted me to it, but, after watching it several times, I have really come to admire the great 'feel' of the film ... the sets are authentic-appearing, lots of attention to detail, they even got the camera and props right ... any fan of film-noir, and period pieces, should love this one ... excellent acting all-around ... Pesci's character comes across as 'real', to me, a very believable portrayal, definitely one of his top performances ... there should have been some Academy Award nominations for this one, in my opinion ... it's a shame 'The Public Eye' hasn't made it to DVD, and been promoted more ... I've always been curious as to Pesci's opinion of this film ... ?