Focus (Laura Dern)

REVIEW
In his first novel, published in 1945, Arthur Miller addressed anti-Semitism in an era of rampant bigotry. Adapted for the screen in the time of 9/11, when American Muslims became the targets of indiscriminate prejudice, Focus would give the impression to be topical and timely. But this sincere, subtle though one-note film fails to fully ignite the passions about such an incendiary subject. Macy gives a splendid performance as Lawrence Newman, a reserved bachelor living in 1940s Brooklyn. His own experiences with prejudice begin when he is ordered not to hire Jews at the company where he is personnel director. His life takes a turn for the worse when, after getting new glasses that make him look "too Jewish," he loses his job and becomes a target by an organized neighborhood group who are terrorizing a local Jewish shopkeeper. Newman, who has been silent up until now, must decide to join or fight his neighbors. The story's theme of prejudice clearly resonates, but director Slavin occasionally strays towards the heavy-handed and simplistic when the events and characters should speak for themselves.