Directed by:
Mike HodgesScreenplay:
Paul MayersbergCinematography:
Michael GarfathComposer:
Simon Fisher-TurnerCast:
Clive Owen, Alex Kingston, Gina McKee, Nicholas Ball, Nick Reding, Alexander Morton, Barnaby Kay, Rhona Mitra, Mark Long, Simon Fisher-Turner, Ozzie Yue (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
Jack Manfred (Clive Owen) is an aspiring writer going nowhere fast. Taking a job as a casino croupier just to make ends meet, he finds himself seduced by the high stakes world of luck and chance. As the job takes over his life and his relationship to girlfriend Marion (Gina McKee) begins to crumble, Jack's attention is caught by down-on-her-luck gambler Jani (Alex Kingston). Under pressure from her creditors, she asks Jack to be the inside man for a planned heist at the casino. It all sounds so easy. But even a pro can't predict the cards he will be dealt. (Arrow Films)
(more)Reviews (2)
What the film has going for it is an interestingly told story and Clive Owen’s performance. It’s not an action film, the pace is far from frantic, but it doesn’t get boring even for a second. Although I have never been into gambling, for some reason I really enjoyed watching the ball being given the right spin by the croupier, as well as casino chips being moved about the table (mostly away from the players).
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The croupier has three undeniable advantages that make it a film standing out above the average: Clive Owen, for whom it is the most distinctive role alongside Children of Men so far, and I was able to perfectly identify with him as the main character, excellent knowledge of the environment and the atmosphere of the bizarre world of gambling addicts. The slow, sometimes hypnotic pace is set by the inner monologue of the protagonist, and the camera often plays with detail. A peculiar film without noticeable effects, but it has really gotten "under the skin" of mine. Overall impression 90%.
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