Croupier

Movie Name: Croupier
Year of Release: 1998
Director: Mike Hodges
Starring: Clive Owen, Alex Kingston, Gina McKee, Kate Hardie, Paul Reynolds, Nicholas Ball, Alexander Morton, Ciro de Chiara, Rhona Mitra, James Clyde
Genre: Drama, Horror
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7
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Synopsis and Review:

Veteran director Mike Hodges didn't have a very prolific output during the 90s, but "Croupier" still hails as one of the most interesting films on his resume, and a great gem which made its debut in the UK in 1999 and in the US in April of 2000. The film follows the story of Jack Manfred, a dashing young writer, who is having a hard time getting his book published. Originally from South Africa, he now lives in London with his girlfriend, and is struggling to make ends meet. Following a call from his father, who is somewhat of a grifter, he decides to take a job in a casino as a croupier. While he intends to just use the job as a means to get some money, it eventually draws him in, and he becomes invested in his position, eventually getting praise from his manager. The nightlife and his investment in it, eventually render him in trouble with his girlfriend. He also draws the attention of a client, something that is strictly forbidden as far as Casino rules are concerned. The woman by the name of Jani, who turns out, as also from South Africa, eventually becomes close, and discusses with him a planned heist to the Casino that is about to take place. She offers him an opportunity to be something of an inside man, and in the process make some easy money. As events unravel, and some of his personal relationships take a darker turn, Jack manages to persevere and find success.

Mike Hodges is very well known for two iconic films, "Get Carter" and the divisive "Flash Gordon". "Croupier" closely aligns itself with his gangster/thriller "Get Carter", and in this particular case, focuses on the narrative thread that is built around the central character, the suave and dashing Jack, who is also the narrator of the events for the audience. It works quite well, since the film is succinct in its character definition, and is possessed of a rhythm which makes it keep going consistently and always quite entertainingly so. While the whole premise of the heist isn't the most original one, that's also not what's so enticing about the narrative: that's essentially Jack's journey, witnessing how he navigates the murky waters of gambling, society and his own personal ambitions, of being a published and well known author. Clive Owen is perfectly cast in the role, since he manages to navigate the thin line between calculating and cold behavior, all the while also having a sincerity that can be disarming. The supporting cast is equally strong, particularly the always reliable Gina McKee, Alex Kingston and Paul Reynolds. Entertaining and always worth watching.