X
- 1988
- PG
- Columbia Pictures
- 1 h 40 m
- 1988
- PG
- Columbia Pictures
- 1 h 40 m
Summary Shoe-shiner Gino is hired to take the rap for a mafia murder. Two-bit gangster Jerry watches over Gino and gives him a weekend to remember.
Directed By: David Mamet
Written By: Shel Silverstein, David Mamet
- 1988
- PG
- Columbia Pictures
- 1 h 40 m
- 1988
- PG
- Columbia Pictures
- 1 h 40 m
Things Change
71
User Score
Universal Acclaim
8.3
Where to Watch
Summary Shoe-shiner Gino is hired to take the rap for a mafia murder. Two-bit gangster Jerry watches over Gino and gives him a weekend to remember.
Directed By: David Mamet
Written By: Shel Silverstein, David Mamet
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 13 Critic Reviews
71
77% Positive
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
23% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 13 Critic Reviews
71
77% Positive
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
23% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
The performances are pristine in their theatricality, Raul Ruiz Anchia's lighting is neo-classical in its velvety richness, and the script (by Mamet and Shel Silverstein) is unfailingly intricate and consistent, for all its flamboyant use of coincidence. But it is the art of Don Ameche's courtly, charismatic characterization that lifts Things Change above the level of a crafty, enjoyable stunt.
The film is mostly light and funny, but it also has a wistful ending that lingers in the mind. Both lead actors are sensational. [21 Oct 1988, p.A]
An enchanted lark about wiseguys and those hustlers who think they are wiseguys, but aren't.
For much of its length the picture is brilliantly successful-light, surprising and, because it asks the audience to participate in its creation, unusually engaging.
Things Change is a delicate balance of things that don’t easily go together: farce, wit, violence and heart. Here they do.
The movie is modest and winning, and we almost feel guilty for wanting it to be more -- but we do. The spirit of camaraderie and the love of performers performing is infectious, though. It may not be enough, but it's close.
There's nothing to look at except Gino and Jerry's mummified skits, which are directed at a deliberate and unvarying pace. Mamet piles on improbabilities in a matter-of-fact style; flatness of performance seems to be part of the point. This minimalist approach--it suggests a knowingness--takes the fun out of hokum. The result is like a Frank Capra--Damon Runyon comic fairy tale of the 30s in slow motion.
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 4 User Ratings
8.3
75% Positive
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
25% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 4 User Ratings
8.3
75% Positive
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
25% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Awards
Venice Film Festival
• 2 Wins & 3 Nominations
Edgar Allan Poe Awards
• 1 Nomination
