The Gambler (Rupert Wyatt, 2014): USA

Reviewed by Kate Michael. Viewed at the Dolby Theater, Hollywood.

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Through the vision of director Rupert Wyatt and writer William Monohan the 1974 film The Gambler is re-envisioned. We are reintroduced to Jim Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), and the audience is shown a version of Los Angeles not often seen. A literary professor who has achieved status alongside discontent, Bennett is  reckless gambler who can’t help but going all in and doesn’t know when to stop. As a consequence, Bennett finds himself penniless after losing it all at a Korean gambling establishment. Now owing the owner $240k, Wahlberg borrows $260k from his mother (Jessica Lange). However, Bennett tries to grow that sum via gambling and gets wiped out, finding himself back at square one. As a consequence, he becomes further entangled in the gambling web and is forced to borrow from other prominent figures in the gambling world such as Frank (John Goodman).

The good thing about the film is it keeps you guessing as to what’s going to happen next. As each scene literally falls into focus from a narrow depth of field, the plot thickens. However, something is missing. Personally, I didn’t care what happened to Bennett as he lacked a relatable, vulnerable quality. It’s hard to care about someone who has everything and constantly whines about being so unhappy. Secondly, the film casts some great character actors such as Goodman and Lange whose performances were superb but they seemed under utilized. Goodman joked at the AFIfest world premiere that may of his scenes were cut, yet I was left wondering if it might have been true. All in all, the film lacked a sense of soul or depth to substantiate the plot and leaves the audience discontent. Wahlberg’s failure to tap into an Oscar-worthy performance wasn’t for a lack of trying. Having lost nearly 60 lbs, Wahlberg admits it has been his most challenging role to date. It’s hard to say it better than reviewer Anne Thompson did on indiewire.com: “This movie plays like a Mark Wahlberg vanity vehicle” and it falls flat.

During a very awkward post screening interview, Goodman (being a well-established actor whose career spans more than 25 years) admitted he can’t remember the last time he had to audition for a role. It made me wonder if Wahlberg has prematurely achieved a similar level of fame and respect. Having struggled initially to be viewed as a serious actor, Wahlberg (referred to by the interviewer as an old fashioned actor) spoke as if  it was all in the past instead of adapting the notion that you’re only as good as your last film. While very personable and charming, Wahlberg’s sense of humility seems to have gotten lost around the time he started making quality films. With so many other amazing films on the circuit this year, I would shelve this one for a rainy day and choose to see something else.

 

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Published:
11.11.14 / 10am
Category:
AFI Filmfest 2014, Films