The Public Eye (1992)

Set in 1942 New York, a freelance tabloid photographer (Joe Pesci) specializes in graphic crime photos but he considers himself an artist. Somehow, he manages to get the photos even before the cops get to the scene of the crime. When the beautiful owner (Barbara Hershey) of a posh nightclub asks him for a favor, he helps her out not knowing it will lead to murder and betrayal. Directed by Howard Franklin, this contemporary film noir is a real sleeper. Every once in awhile, a little gem of a movie doesn't get the attention it deserves and slips through the cracks. Its reviews were generally decent but the moviegoers shunned the film even though Pesci was hot off his Oscar win for GOODFELLAS. He gives a wonderful performance showing he can do more than just playing foul mouthed mobsters. His photographer is a lonely and isolated man whose one attempt at reaching out to a woman turns into a disaster. Equally good is Hershey who gives an ambiguous performance. Does this beautiful woman really have feelings for this schlub of a guy or is she using him? Even as the film ends, we're never quite sure. The exquisite score is by Mark Isham, who seems to be channeling Ennio Morricone. With Stanley Tucci, Jared Harris and Jerry Adler.