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House of Games is a 1987 American mystery-thriller film directed by David Mamet and starring Lindsay Crouse, Joe Mantegna, and Mike Nussbaum. The movie tells the story of Dr. Margaret Ford (Lindsay Crouse), a successful psychiatrist who has her life turned upside down after meeting Mike (Joe Mantegna), a con man who lures her into the world of grifting.

The movie begins with Dr. Ford attending a lecture by the charismatic Mike, who claims to be a small-time criminal turned philosopher. After the lecture, Mike confesses to Dr. Ford that he has a gambling debt of $25,000 and begs for her help. Dr. Ford, feeling sorry for him and intrigued by the world of con artists, offers to help him raise the money by acting as a go-between with his wealthy mark, a man named George (Mike Nussbaum).

As Dr. Ford gets pulled deeper into Mike's world, she soon finds out that nothing is as it seems. Mike's motives become increasingly unclear, and Dr. Ford starts to question her own judgment as she struggles to keep up with the complicated cons he is running. Along the way, she meets a cast of colorful characters, including Joe (Ricky Jay), a master grifter who becomes her mentor, and the mysterious Joey (J.T. Walsh), who seems to know much more about Dr. Ford than she ever realized.

As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a twisting journey through the world of con artists and their elaborate schemes. Mamet's direction keeps the viewer guessing until the very end, as the plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, leaving the viewer questioning what is real and what is just part of the con.

The performances in the movie are outstanding. Lindsay Crouse shines as Dr. Ford, portraying the character's journey from a confident psychiatrist to a vulnerable mark with skill and nuance. Joe Mantegna gives a standout performance as the charming and manipulative Mike, who is as dangerous as he is charismatic. Mike Nussbaum plays George, a wealthy businessman who becomes Mike's target, with a subtle and nuanced performance that leaves the viewer unsure of his true motives.

The movie's themes of trust and betrayal are explored through the intricate plot, and the rich characterizations add depth to the movie's exploration of human nature. The script is razor-sharp, with Mamet's signature dialogue creating a world that is both darkly comic and deadly serious.

The movie features a unique visual style, with Mamet's direction utilizing the Chicago locations to create a stark and moody atmosphere. The cinematography by Juan Ruiz Anchía adds to the film's shadowy feel, creating a world that is both exciting and dangerous.

Overall, House of Games is a smart and engaging movie that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. Mamet's skillful direction, outstanding performances, and finely crafted script make this movie a must-see for fans of the mystery-thriller genre.

House of Games is a 1987 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 78.