A bit overrated, but still an amazing film

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

Blistering performances.

This criminally underrated movie features a fascinating central character, an outstanding performance by Joe Pesci and a dark, moody recreation of 1940s New York that's absolutely stunning. Its story about the circumstances that lead to a man abandoning one of his most important principles and the high cost that he has to pay as a consequence of doing so, is full of danger, deceit and disappointment and contains many moments of humour and pathos that add immeasurably to the enjoyment of watching this totally gripping film.Leon "Bernzy" Bernstein (Joe Pesci) is a freelance photographer who inhabits the city's streets and clubs late at night in order to capture sensational pictures which he sells to the tabloid newspapers. Photos of gangsters, victims of violent crime and celebrities behaving badly are his speciality but much of his success is also attributable to his amazing ability to arrive at the scene of a crime, a suicide or a huge fire before anyone else and it's this talent that led to him becoming generally known as "The Great Bernzini".Despite Bernzy being uncouth and preoccupied with sleaze, he also has aspirations to achieve recognition for his work which he considers to be worthy of being published in book form. Unfortunately, the publishers he approaches don't see any merit in his material which they simply regard as being vulgar and distasteful. Bernzy's lifestyle and dedication to his work resulted in him living a very lonely life and on certain occasions he wistfully watches happy couples together showing their affection for each other.When Bernzy's work brings him into contact with a beautiful, wealthy widow called Kay Levitz (Barbara Hershey) who shows him some warmth and understanding and also seems to appreciate his work, he becomes putty in her hands and has no hesitation in agreeing to her request to investigate a gangster who approached her shortly after her husband's death and claimed that he owned part of her business. Bernzy's decision quickly leads to him becoming a murder suspect and confronting further dangers when he gets too closely involved in a gang war that's linked to a conspiracy which involves mobsters, politicians and a black market in gas rationing coupons.Joe Pesci is exceptionally good in showing the dedication and determination of his character as well as his desperate need for love and recognition. Bernzy had achieved great success in his career through being absolutely professional and enjoying good relations with both the police and the gangsters because he made a point of never taking sides but his deal with Kay changed things and suddenly put him in great danger."The Public Eye" is beautifully photographed, skilfully directed and features some great dialogue as well as a strong supporting performance by Barbara Hershey but it's ultimately Bernzy's character and Pesci's performance that make this film so memorable.

I've never rated this movie that high but I've gone back to it three times since it came out about 15 years ago on tape, so maybe I am underrating this. There still is no DVD of it, at least in Region I, and that's frustrating. There's something intriguing about this story that drives me back to it.Perhaps that is so because it's about a photographer, something I did, too, while being in the newspaper business for years and an art form I've always enjoyed. The story also takes place in the 1940s and I love the style and atmosphere of that era which is beautifully shown here. Joe Pesci is Leon Bernzini or "The Great Bernzini," a newspaper photographer and Barbara Hershey is a mysterious woman who Pesci has the hots for. There is a lot of mystery in here with Hershey's character. Pesci takes gruesome photos, doesn't get involved with anyone but he's willing to make an exception with "Kay Levitz" (Hershey)..... but is she good or bad for him?Sad to say, the filmmakers kind of make a hero out of basically a sleazy guy who has few, if any, morals. ("Bernzy" was "paparazzi" before they invented the word!). The movie also has an unsatisfying ending, particularly with Hershey's character.However, I keep getting drawn back into multiple viewings of this and I'd sure like to see what it looks like with a good DVD transfer.

Well, I've just seen the movie tonight and Pesci is certainly great in it. I finally saw a side of him that I've never seen before. In almost all his other movies, he got on my nerves, but in this one, he managed to make me respect his acting. I have to agree with the other comments. I've never heard of this movie and that's too bad. It's very touching and gave me a feeling of je ne sais quoi... It's a very attractive movie in a quiet sort of way. I don't know. I really enjoyed it and it's too bad that it hasn't been credited as one of Pesci's best (if not THE BEST) movies.

Movies should be able to transport you to the time and place without much effort. "The Public Eye" does so. I saw this in -- of all places -- a redeye bus trip from New York to DC, and this only enhanced the viewing enjoyment. This is definitely a movie to "get into the mood" for 40's noir, down to the gritty life of the City After Dark.This one keeps getting overlooked as one of the best of the 90's. See this one.