Review of The Gambler (2014) by Dawdlingpoet — 28 Nov 2021

This is a crime drama film with themes including hope, desperation, greed and risk. Its one of those films whereby the main character isn't very likeable from the start but there is more than meets the eye. I found this film to be a slow watch - the plot is quite slow in terms of pace and build up generally. I felt that, while the film is called what it is and features gambling quite heavily, its not, ultimately, about gambling but moreso about hope - more specifically losing hope. The main character, Jim, comes across as clearly quite apathetic, feeling like he'll be permanently stuck in a rut. He does seem someone who at first isn't greatly bothered about what might come to him but I don't think thats necessarily entirely true. There is a definite numbness about his character, so I felt anyway. He seems a bit of a mysterious enigma type character, with very little in terms of character development or, more specifically, his background, shared with the viewer in the first hour or so. I didn't feel that this was a greatly immersive, stylish film which really intrigued or fascinated me but it was ok. I gather its received a lot of negative reviews and I can certainly understand that but I think that its a film which isn't entirely about what it seems to be about, as I say its more a tale of apathy and also of consequences, it just so happens that its in relation to gambling debts. I imagine that many people nowadays can relate to the situation that Jim finds himself in, having had to turn to any and everyone for financial help to pay loans and feeling like he has no control over what will happen. I think if you can relate to his circumstances, rather than all the details involved, then you may find this a poignant watch. There is a certain element of morality in it, its perhaps an adult urban warning story of sorts, not for young kids due to the strong language (more on that later).

It is regarded as a thriller film but I'm not sure I'd classify it as a thriller as such, in as much as there is little in the way of fast paced action type scenes - no big explosions or the like. Its much more dialogue based, although I didn't think the dialogue was particularly sharp witted. There is a lot of swearing present, I guess to add to the gritty urban feel, although it did make it seem a bit lazy to me.

Cast wise, Mark Wahlberg plays the main character, Jim Bennett. As I've said, he isn't particularly likeable, certainly at first, although I don't think the film was unwatchable because of it. Its a bit difficult to explain how, or why, the film works but in one sense I think it does. Anyway, Wahlberg does alright at playing a jaded, often low key adult, who comes in to his own in certain circumstances but who is shown to be clearly out of his depth, regardless of numerous things. Aspects of his character probably appeals to some people but I wouldn't say thats a good thing(!) - think smugness and the like. I wouldn't say this Wahlbergs best performance by any means but there are probably worse people out there for such roles, I suppose - he portrays the down and out desperate guy not too bad, although you could argue if its a good thing or not. Meanwhile, Brie Larson plays Jims love interest, a student called Amy Phillips. Again, she does ok but isn't especially great as such. Other cast members include Jessica Lange as Roberta and Michael Kenneth Williams as Neville, plus John Goodman as a gangster called Frank. The music wasn't particularly distracting, although it was perhaps mildly cheesy on ocassion. It didn't strike me as overbearing though - mind you, if you don't like music with a strong bassline then some scenes may be off putting. It features some good use of incidental music in key tense moments, to obviously add to the atmosphere at that time.

Content wise, there is a lot of quite strong language present throughout, as previously mentioned. It also contains some moderate violence, including bloody violence, with injuries shown on the relevant character. There are a few scenes whereby there's a sense of tension, with arguments and the like taking place. The film carries a 15 rating to reflect this.

I wouldn't say this is a stylish film in the way that the Oceans films are but the camerawork used, with shots shown from inventive angles (far corners or from the floor up and the like) plus the low lighting and so on did help add to the tension and made it, I felt, a bit more interesting and watchable somehow.

This isn't really a greatly memorable film as such but it is alright. The story is hardly original I suppose but I did feel like it had a wider message than the obvious one hinted by the title and I thought that for those who can relate to the main themes, they may quite appreciate it. Enjoy it wouldn't seem like the right kind of wording but appreciate does.