House of Games

House of Games

Year: 1987

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: David Mamet

ThrillerCrime

A brilliant but restless psychiatrist, Margaret Ford, becomes involved with a charming and manipulative con artist named Mike. While treating a patient, she finds herself drawn into Mike's world of deception and high-stakes games. As Margaret tries to understand Mike’s troubled mind, she becomes increasingly entangled in his elaborate schemes. She must use her professional skills to navigate his web of lies and stay one step ahead, but risks losing herself in the process.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – House of Games (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of House of Games (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in a contemporary time frame, capturing the essence of urban life in the late 20th century. During this period, psychological themes and the allure of gambling culture emerge, reflecting societal issues surrounding risk and deceit. The events present a critique of personal choices against a backdrop of moral ambiguity.

Location

Seattle, Washington, House of Games

The movie takes place in Seattle, Washington, a vibrant city known for its iconic Space Needle and bustling waterfront. Within Seattle lies the 'House of Games,' a seedy gambling establishment that serves as a pivotal backdrop for the unfolding drama. This location is infamous for its high-stakes poker games and shady dealings, drawing unsuspecting individuals like Margaret into its thrilling yet dangerous world.

🌆 City ♠️ Gambling Establishment

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:23

Main Characters – House of Games (1987)

Meet the key characters of House of Games (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Margaret Ford

Margaret is a psychiatrist struggling with feelings of emptiness despite her professional success. Her character arc reveals a shift from a compassionate healer to an intrigued participant in the world of con artistry. Her complexities emerge as she engages with the thrill of deception, leading her to increasingly risky behavior.

🧠 Psychiatry 🎭 Complexity 🖤 Betrayal

Mike Mancuso

Mike Mancuso is a charming yet cunning con artist who introduces Margaret to the world of gambling. His character embodies the alluring yet dangerous traits of a seasoned con man, managing to both captivate and manipulate those around him. His relationship with Margaret evolves into a complicated mixture of attraction and betrayal.

🎩 Con Artist ⚖️ Morality 💔 Betrayal

Billy Hahn

Billy is a troubled patient whose desperate actions set the plot in motion. His depth of emotions and vulnerability reveal the darker side of mental health struggles. He represents the stakes involved in the con world, as his fate intertwines with Margaret and Mike's illicit dealings.

😟 Vulnerability ⚠️ Danger 🖤 Complexity

George

George is a key player in the con, showcasing the unpredictable nature of gambling. His nervous habits reveal the tension and high stakes during poker games, embodying the thrilling yet treacherous elements present in the narrative. His actions contribute to the climactic tension of the story.

🃏 Gambler 😬 Tension ♠️ Double-cross

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:23

Major Themes – House of Games (1987)

Explore the central themes of House of Games (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🃏 Manipulation

Manipulation is a central theme as characters engage in psychological games and con artistry. Margaret's initial curiosity leads her into a world where trust is elusive and deception is a way of life. This theme illustrates how easily individuals can be drawn into dangerous scenarios when they let their guard down.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal plays a significant role in the film as Margaret grapples with her feelings towards Mike and Billy. As trust is broken multiple times, the consequences of betrayal culminate in a shocking climax that forces Margaret to confront her own actions and their repercussions. The theme emphasizes the complexities of human relationships, especially in morally gray situations.

🎲 Risk

The theme of risk permeates the narrative, showcasing the thrill and danger associated with gambling and criminal activities. Margaret's journey into the world of cons exposes her to increasingly perilous choices, reflecting the adrenaline rush that comes with high stakes. It underscores how the allure of risk can lead to life-altering decisions.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:23

Unlock the Full Story of House of Games

Don't stop at just watching — explore House of Games in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what House of Games is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

House of Games Summary

Read a complete plot summary of House of Games, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

House of Games Summary

House of Games Timeline

Track the full timeline of House of Games with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

House of Games Timeline

More About House of Games

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about House of Games: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About House of Games

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