The Public Eye (1992)

58% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
47% of users liked it
(1,155 ratings)

Howard Franklin wrote and directed this film noir character study based on the famed New York Daily News photographer Weegee. Joe Pesci plays a character named Bernstein, a freelance photographer for the New York City tabloids of the 1940s. His life is dedicated to his work; with a police radio… More Howard Franklin wrote and directed this film noir character study based on the famed New York Daily News photographer Weegee. Joe Pesci plays a character named Bernstein, a freelance photographer for the New York City tabloids of the 1940s. His life is dedicated to his work; with a police radio under the dashboard of his car and a darkroom in his trunk, he quickly and efficiently races to the scene of crimes, accidents and murders to snap photographs of gangsters, politicians, cops, and prostitutes, which he promptly delivers to the newspapers. His knack for arriving at a crime scene before the police earns him the nickname the Great Bernzini. The trouble begins for Bernstein when he agrees to look up a gangster for Kay (Barbara Hershey), the sexy owner of a fancy Manhattan nightclub. After making inquiries, Bernstein traces the man Kay is looking for, but he turns up dead. When he informs the police, he becomes a suspect in the murder; it also turns out that the FBI is interested the case. Bernstein then uncovers an elaborate conspiracy concerning gas rationing, the mob, and the government. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 39 min.
Directed By: Howard Franklin
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Oct 16, 1992 Wide
On DVD: Apr 14, 1993
Studio: MCA Universal Home Video

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A period noir thriller, in which Pesci plays one of his few lead roles as Leon (Bernzy)Bernstein, a magician behind the lens with an eye for life's darker side blessed with the soul of an artist

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Featured Audience Ratings

Michael S

Seriously underrated noir with a great performance by Pesci. This film really needs, and is really deserving of a DVD release!

Cast

            Joe Pesci as Leonard "The Great Bernzini" Bernstein

            Barbara Hershey as Kay Levitz

            Stanley Tucci as Sal Minetto

            Jerry Adler as Arthur Nabler

            Jared Harris as Danny the Doorman

            Gerry Becker as Conklin

            Dominic Chianese as Spoleto

            Del Close as H.R. Rineman

            Richard Foronjy as Farinelli

            Bob Gunton as Older Agent

            Joe Guzaldo as Spoleto's Lieutenant

            Peter Maloney as Federal Watchman

            Richard Riehle as Officer O'Brien

            Ian Abercrombie as Mr. Brown

            Vinny Argiro as Sergeant at Police Station

            Henry Bolzon as Photographer at Cafe

            Maurice Bravo as 1st Photographer

            Max Brooks as Teen at Thompson Street

            Laura Cerone as Puerto Rican Woman

            Jack Denbo as Photo Editor

            Teresa di Marco as Mrs. D'Angelo

            Kevin Dorsey as Singer

            Shay Duffin as Chief of Police

            Toni Fleming as Sal's Mother

            Steve Forleo as Hood

            Tim Gamble as Agent Chadwick

            David Gianopoulos as Portofino

            Chuck Gillespie as Cop-Puerto Rican Tenement

            Joe V. Greco as Villa Guard-Hitman

            Patricia Healy as Vera

            Timothy Hendrickson as Richard Rineman

            David Hull as Thatcher White

            Marge Kotlisky as Rineman's Receptionist

            Louie Lanciloti as Mikey

            Tom Lauricella as 2nd Photographer

            Phil Locker as Arresting Cop

            George Lugg as 3rd Photographer

            Al Mancini as Camera Shop Clerk

            Ellen McElduff as Lonely Woman at Drugsore

            Mick McGovern as Cop with Hood

            Kyle Moore as Young Agent

            Gian-Carlo Scandiuzzi as Maitre d'

            Richard Schiff as Photographer-Thompson Street

            Bryan Travis Smith as Young Cop

            Randall Stanton as Federal Guard

            Christian Stolti as Ambulance Attendant

            Nick Tate as Henry Haddock Jr.

            Jason Wells as Garage Attendant

            Jean Zarzour as Sal's Wife

            John Farris as Albert Gerard

            Donna Isaacson
            
            John M. Watson Sr. as Sculllion

            Christian Stolte
            
            Laura Ceron
            
See full cast