Review of The Cooler (2003) by Nathaniel D — 27 Jun 2007

Ahh, the allure of Vegas. What?s the percentage of Americans that have been there? I don?t know. Not like it matters though, because everywhere you turn there is another movie, video game, or TV show to peak your interest. The important thing, the thing I care about, is that the films on the subject are usually good. Ever since Raymond Babbitt stepped into the casino with the intent to count cards (my first introduction to Vegas), I have always wondered what the allure actually is. Maybe it?s just one of those ?grownup? things.

The matter at hand is the film ?The Cooler?. Starring William H. Macy as an unlucky ?cooler? at the Shangri La Casino, the film tracks Macy with skilled camera-work through his ?love/hate? relationship with the casino owner/former mobster Shelly (Alec Baldwin) and his ?just love? relationship with waitress Natalie (Maria Bello). Supported with a great soundtrack, full of old standards and jazzy smooth-as-silk background sounds, ?The Cooler? is one to put down for purchase.

?The Cooler? is a film about balance. Everything sits precariously on the edge, held in place by the skill of Macy in one of his better roles. It sits on the edge because the script is written that way, and goddamit, Macy will play it. There is this underlying intensity that he has. Even in his pitiful state, coming ?home? to a hotel room with his missing cat and hot plate, the intensity lies just under the surface. Supporting Macy are Baldwin and Bello, both of whom deserve huge recognition for their skill. Baldwin is the guy that you ?can?t hate ?cause he?s too cool, but he?s also a jerk, you know?? Bello is passionate, exactly as she should be. As I mentioned earlier, the camerawork is excellent, with wide tracking shots that capture the atmosphere like nothing else can. Well written, cast, and produced, ?The Cooler? is a film that I can?t wait to watch again.