Focus

Focus (2001)

  • 56% of critics liked it
    (81 reviews)

  • 62% of users liked it
    (1,896 ratings)

Focus is based on a little-known novel by playwright Arthur Miller, written when he was a very young man, just after WWII. Produced by media mogul Michael Bloomberg, and directed by Neal Slavin, the film takes place in New York, during the war. William H. Macy of Fargo plays Lawrence Newman, a… More

Play Trailer

PG-13,
Directed By
Written By
Kendrew Lascelles
Genres
Drama
In Theaters
Oct 19, 2001 Wide
Paramount Classics

Critic Reviews

  • Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune

    It serves as a forceful reminder of how small a difference there can be between unity and bigotry.

  • Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

    No actor in the movies could have played this part better than Macy.

  • Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

    It is as heavyhanded as it is compelling, taking the subject of discrimination and turning it inside out, adding a new slant on corrupt thinking.

  • Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times

    Focus is well-meaning, but it's all looks with no substance.

  • Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle

    A powerful though overwrought study of bigotry and fear.

Read all 12 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Cynthia S


    I think that they need to show this movie in every Sociology class. It's a perfect example of how, for example, Hitler's Germany was even possible. It shows how easily people can be manipulated and influenced by hateful thinking in society. It was an apalling thing to watch… More

  • Sarah P


    This movie was so true to the book that I felt like I had seen it before. The book was a little more detailed, so I have to say I liked that better. However the movie was very well acted and captured the right feel and emotion.

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