Review of The Music of Chance (1993) by Brian R — 13 Jul 2009

This is that rare beast, a film that's just as good as the book it's based on (by Paul Auster, who makes a cameo appearance at the end as the driver who gives Mandy Patinkin a lift). Patinkin and James Spader couldn't be bettered as the two men who are forced to build a wall to pay off their gambling debts.

Beyond that, it's pretty hard to describe - nothing much happens, but it's the way in which the two men develop an almost brotherly relationship that matters: it gives the film a great emotional depth and warmth.

There are some pleasingly sinister undercurrents at work too, and some memorable photography and music.