10 Underappreciated 80s Thrillers You Must Watch

House of Games is the directorial debut of David Mamet, known primarily as a screenplay writer and playwright. If you have seen any of David Mamet’s work before then this is representative of all the facets that you can expect from him.

The dialogue is snappy and smart, although the acting can seem strangely delivered at times. The plot is labyrinthine and constantly developing and evolving. It primarily concerns Dr. Margaret Ford, a famed psychiatrist. She goes above her calling by personally helping a patient who owes some gambling debts out to the wrong people. She makes her way to the eponymous House of Games to find Mike, played by Joe Mantegna, a con artist who takes her under his wing to show her the art of the con after she assists him to spot another player’s tell in a poker game.

Saying any more of the plot would certainly detract from the fun of watching it unfold. Joe Mantegna puts in a career-best performance as the fast-talking Mike, Mamet’s direction is tight and overall it is a great, clever, thriller echoing films like The Sting in its scope.