Focus (2001)

56% of critics liked it
(81 reviews)
63% of users liked it
(1,861 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 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 middle-aged executive who lives with his mother. One night, he sees a neighbor cavorting with a Hispanic woman in the street. The incident turns ugly, and Lawrence later hears that the woman was raped and brutally assaulted. He tells no one. Faced with anti-Semitism at work and in his neighborhood, Lawrence resists joining the bigots, but he doesn't have the courage to stand up to them. He doesn't act when Fred (Meat Loaf Aday) and his other neighbors persecute the Jewish newsvendor, Finkelstein (David Paymer), who lives on the corner. But his lack of active participation in their efforts to drive Finkelstein out makes his neighbors suspicious. One day, Gertrude Hart (Laura Dern) walks into his office looking for a job. Lawrence is immediately struck by her flashy style and good looks, but he's been warned against hiring Jews. He suspects that she's Jewish, and she gets offended at his insinuations and storms out. Things get much worse for Lawrence when he gets a new pair of glasses. Everyone says they make him look Jewish. His boss decides he doesn't make the right impression, and tries to demote him. Lawrence is outraged and quits. He has trouble finding another job, until he runs into Gertrude again. The Jewish-owned firm she works for hires him. He apologizes to her and asks her out. They fall in love, and quickly marry. His neighbors, believing Gertrude is a Jew, grow more suspicious, and Lawrence soon finds himself in physical danger. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 46 min.
Directed By: Neal Slavin
Written By: Kendrew Lascelles
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Oct 19, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Mar 19, 2002
Studio: 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.
Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle
A powerful though overwrought study of bigotry and fear.
Rita Kempley, Washington Post
The topic certainly suits the times, but the director's approach is as alienating as it is old-fashioned.
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
A rather square civics lesson of a movie.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Escrita em 1945, a história concebida por Arthur Miller continua tragicamente atual. Felizmente, o diretor estreante Neal Slavin consegue capturar toda a complexidade e inteligência do livro em um filme engrandecido por ótimas atuações.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...exceptionally preachy...
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
Its fine cast, particularly Mr. Macy, lift it above its limitations and lend grace to its once-again timely message.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Its most relevant message for today is a warning against vigilante ethnic cleansing.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
The most striking thing about the film is the use of color. First-time director Neal Slavin has the kind of eye for color one would expect from an award-winning photographer.
Eric D. Snider, EricDSnider.com
Put this one in the category of decent material, good cast, and misguided execution.

Read all 12 critic reviews

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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
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 unfold, and intensify, but it was at the same time an amazing thing to watch. Scary, but amazing. ..On a side note, William H. Macy was fantastic, as usual.
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.