|
The Story
Coupier may just be the biggest sleeper of the year a fate it certainly doesn't
derserve because Croupier is one hell of a class act. Directed by Mike Hodges,
Croupier weaves an hypnotic spell that draws one in to an enthralling tale.
Jack (Clive Owen) really wants to be a writer, the kind who produces a standout out hit,
something the readers can get their teeth into and definately not doing the
sort of story his publicist wants. He also doesn't want to follow in the footsteps of
his father (Nicholas Ball)
either but thanks to his fathers persistence he will get his story and he will
take the big gamble. You see Jack is about to enter the workforce as a croupier
without realizing that good old dad has set him up and there is nothing he can do about it.
Croupier is in many ways a dark film filled with not only intrigue and contradiction
but a complexity that holds the audience to the story with a fascination and
obsession that can create an impatience to find out just what will happen to Jack as he
flaunts all the rules and gambles on human nature. Hodges and the cast have produced such
a gem about which the LA TIMES was recently prompted to write............
"What can the value of an Oscar be when it is won based on money spent rather than merit
("Building the Buzz for Oscar," Jan. 30)? The whole nomination process and the subsequent
battle to win at all financial costs become laughable when one sees that who wins isn't
who is best but who best spends money.
No wonder Javier Bardem, in arguably the best
performance by an actor, in "Before Night Falls," didn't get a nomination from the Screen
Actors Guild or that a small but excellent film like "Croupier," which has received little
attention, probably will go unnoticed by the Academy. Perhaps all this helps to explain why
one quickly forgets who most of the winners from the previous year were.
The Critics
"It's a real surprise to watch Hodges examine the humanity of his characters instead of just having them run around and kill each other."
Chuck Rudolph, MATINEE MAGAZINE
A work of compelling aplomb ... arguably Mike Hodges finest film
Kevin Thomas LA TIMES
A diamond hard masterpiece. John Patterson LA WEEKLY
A triumph of sharp storytelling and dry ice urbanity.
Peter Rainer NEW YORK MAGAZINE
The Verdict
Croupier is one from left field, a real gem, a precious gem RATED M
|
The Cast
Clive Owen .... Jack Manfred
Kate Hardie .... Bella
Alex Kingston .... Jani de Villiers
Gina McKee .... Marion
Nicholas Ball .... Jack's Father
Kate Fenwick .... Cloë
Simon Fisher-Turner .... Ironic Punter
Nick Reding .... Max
Directed by Mike Hodges
| |
|
|
