This criminally underrated movie features a fascinating central character, an outstanding performance by Joe Pesci and a dark, moody recreation of 1940s New York that's absolutely stunning. Its story about the circumstances that lead to a man abandoning one of his most important principles and the high cost that he has to pay as a consequence of doing so, is full of danger, deceit and disappointment and contains many moments of humour and pathos that add immeasurably to the enjoyment of watching this totally gripping film.
Leon "Bernzy" Bernstein (Joe Pesci) is a freelance photographer who inhabits the city's streets and clubs late at night in order to capture sensational pictures which he sells to the tabloid newspapers. Photos of gangsters, victims of violent crime and celebrities behaving badly are his speciality but much of his success is also attributable to his amazing ability to arrive at the scene of a crime, a suicide or a huge fire before anyone else and it's this talent that led to him becoming generally known as "The Great Bernzini".
Despite Bernzy being uncouth and preoccupied with sleaze, he also has aspirations to achieve recognition for his work which he considers to be worthy of being published in book form. Unfortunately, the publishers he approaches don't see any merit in his material which they simply regard as being vulgar and distasteful. Bernzy's lifestyle and dedication to his work resulted in him living a very lonely life and on certain occasions he wistfully watches happy couples together showing their affection for each other.
When Bernzy's work brings him into contact with a beautiful, wealthy widow called Kay Levitz (Barbara Hershey) who shows him some warmth and understanding and also seems to appreciate his work, he becomes putty in her hands and has no hesitation in agreeing to her request to investigate a gangster who approached her shortly after her husband's death and claimed that he owned part of her business. Bernzy's decision quickly leads to him becoming a murder suspect and confronting further dangers when he gets too closely involved in a gang war that's linked to a conspiracy which involves mobsters, politicians and a black market in gas rationing coupons.
Joe Pesci is exceptionally good in showing the dedication and determination of his character as well as his desperate need for love and recognition. Bernzy had achieved great success in his career through being absolutely professional and enjoying good relations with both the police and the gangsters because he made a point of never taking sides but his deal with Kay changed things and suddenly put him in great danger.
"The Public Eye" is beautifully photographed, skilfully directed and features some great dialogue as well as a strong supporting performance by Barbara Hershey but it's ultimately Bernzy's character and Pesci's performance that make this film so memorable.
Leon "Bernzy" Bernstein (Joe Pesci) is a freelance photographer who inhabits the city's streets and clubs late at night in order to capture sensational pictures which he sells to the tabloid newspapers. Photos of gangsters, victims of violent crime and celebrities behaving badly are his speciality but much of his success is also attributable to his amazing ability to arrive at the scene of a crime, a suicide or a huge fire before anyone else and it's this talent that led to him becoming generally known as "The Great Bernzini".
Despite Bernzy being uncouth and preoccupied with sleaze, he also has aspirations to achieve recognition for his work which he considers to be worthy of being published in book form. Unfortunately, the publishers he approaches don't see any merit in his material which they simply regard as being vulgar and distasteful. Bernzy's lifestyle and dedication to his work resulted in him living a very lonely life and on certain occasions he wistfully watches happy couples together showing their affection for each other.
When Bernzy's work brings him into contact with a beautiful, wealthy widow called Kay Levitz (Barbara Hershey) who shows him some warmth and understanding and also seems to appreciate his work, he becomes putty in her hands and has no hesitation in agreeing to her request to investigate a gangster who approached her shortly after her husband's death and claimed that he owned part of her business. Bernzy's decision quickly leads to him becoming a murder suspect and confronting further dangers when he gets too closely involved in a gang war that's linked to a conspiracy which involves mobsters, politicians and a black market in gas rationing coupons.
Joe Pesci is exceptionally good in showing the dedication and determination of his character as well as his desperate need for love and recognition. Bernzy had achieved great success in his career through being absolutely professional and enjoying good relations with both the police and the gangsters because he made a point of never taking sides but his deal with Kay changed things and suddenly put him in great danger.
"The Public Eye" is beautifully photographed, skilfully directed and features some great dialogue as well as a strong supporting performance by Barbara Hershey but it's ultimately Bernzy's character and Pesci's performance that make this film so memorable.