The Gambler
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Movie Reviews of The Gambler
Movie Review: When hopelessly addicted to all kinds of bets
Summary: 4 Stars
THE GAMBLER (1974), is a passive, visual movie, with the one and
only James Caan, who plays an English Literature professor, who
comes to believe as reality the poetry, artistic thoughts and
beliefs he teaches to his classroom of students. The theory is that
2+2 is not 4, it's more than that, and life shouldn't be spent
counting the minutes, hours down, but rather pushing the envelope,
taking risks and enjoying the ride, the thrills while it lasts.
As such, Caan's character "in theory" realizes he's a compulsive
gambler, hopelessly addicted to all kinds of bets on all kinds of
activities, his life hanging by a thread, and jeopardizing not only
the love, respect of his family and girlfriend, but their
psychological and physical well-being through a wreckless behavior
that sees him lose thousands of dollars. The difficulty for Caan, is
accepting his "theoretical addition" as "reality" and as a
"objective, externally verifiable and observable fact".
Clearly, Caan is at his peak, physically and mentally. The actor
shows his characteristic relaxed, subtle, self-contented, easy going
and confident demeanor, until unique circumstances occur, requiring
agression, physical exertion, which he delivers when called on.
The film prominently features a Ford Mustang convertible in over 1/3
of the film.
The whole gamut of individuals implicated in gambling as an industry
is shown, from collectors of illegal debts, to loan sharks (at 3%
per week or 12O% annual interest), casinos, bookies, pimps,
narco-traffickers, etc.
Caan reflects on his inability to face or control his gambling
addiction, with words such as " I can't lose. Why? I'm hot as a
pistol, and I am the one placing the bets!"
There are a number of smart quips, such as "I've seen nuts before,
but you've got a watermelon" as scruples; or Caan's Dad, commenting
on his girlfriend: "a man of virtue and character would not take
that woman as your wife, she's a playboy's girl".
In his subconscience, apart from the compulsion, Caan perhaps feels
that those who lack all addictions in their personalities are
boring, unpopular, don't know how to enjoy themselves, or so goes
the poetry he reads, taking what was imaginary as reality, and
dropping into an abyss of debt, addiction, low self-worth,
irrationality, confusion, loss of direction, suicidal behavior.
Some curious aspects are typical from the 7O's, namely sideburns,
large US cars, and the courtesy, politeness and amicable human
interaction between strangers in restaurants, at the table, etc,
which seems to have been lost 30 years later, too often, at least in
the movies.
Sorvino plays a mobster, involved in the bookie and loan sharking
activities, with a modicum of patience and humanity with the
debtors.
The soundtrack is adequate and low profile.
Movie Review: On the edge
Summary: 4 Stars
One of the most uncompromising American dramas of the 70s, this takes a penetrating look at the addictive mindset of the gambler as no film did before that and none since as well. The writing by James Toback is superb and the direction by Karel Reisz is just as good. James Caan, in one of his best roles, plays a professor of literature--an ivory tower guy who drives himself right to the edge. The story implies that the possible reason for this is his patrician upbringing; his mother's a successful and respected physician and his uncle, an extremely successful businessman. And Axel Freed--Caan's character--needs much more than all the myriad assumptions that a blue-blooded background provides.Even his girlfriend, Mickey (broadly played by Lauren Hutton), is upscale. Caan deftly and convincingly portrays someone who takes advantage of his class and its privileges and at the same time obsessively needs the "juice" of danger. The ending is a strong finish to a great movie; Axel tests the waters of what could very likely bring the ultimate danger. The real question is, Does he want that or not?
It's interesting to see both James Woods and M. Emmett Walsh in small and early roles here, as well as some 70s stalwarts: Paul Sorvino, Vic Tayback, and Steven Keats. The mix of the highbrow and the street is a great one. All actors do a terrific job.
Recommended
Movie Review: "FOR $10000.00 THEY BREAK YOUR ARMS...
Summary: 4 Stars
For $20,000.00 they break your legs. Axel Freed owes $44,000." I was captivated by the tag line of this lost jewell of the '70's, which stands alongside Karl Reisz' other forgotten masterwork of the decade (WHO'LL STOP THE RAIN?). James Caan radiates a brilliant character study of a degenerate gambler hellbent on self destruction, not only at the tables and back rooms, but in life. He throws away his birth rite to riches, his family, a beauty (Lauren Hutton in her first significant screen role). It's a road well traveled by the lost and Caan has it mastered. Great screenplay by James Toback, written immediately prior to his own lost marvel of the 1970's, FINGERS (1979).Movie Review: Authentic Portrayal of addictive gambling
Summary: 4 Stars
This film shows the mentality and thought process of someone who is a gambling addict. The lengths that James Caan goes to keep playing even though his ability to pick winners has eroded and the affect it has on those in his life is right on the mark. The movie accurately shows how the glamour of winning becomes secondary to the need just to have the risk and unflinchingly shows what can happen if you get caught in this complusive trap. It is a scenario I know about from first hand experienceMovie Review: A proper film
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a very good film.
After watching it you have to pause and think about what you have seen, and let the impact sink in.
Well acted, well casted, well scripted, well shot, pacy and with a good story that is hard to predict.
It highlights the degeneracy that can affect those born into money, the grandchildren of the penniless hardworking immigrants who passed through Ellis Island and made good in the Golden Land.