Not sure whether it really counts as a "gambling" movie but, because gambling is such an integral part to it, I'd probably say Casino. People sometimes say it's just Scorsese doing Goodfellas again but I think there's enough, when you really watch it, that is different, visually enthralling and masterfully put-together that makes it an absolute joy to watch.
Thanks for the recommendations! Surprised not to see The Hustler in there. And I would have to put A Big Hand For The Little Lady (1966) in there too. Watched it recently, enjoyed it very much. :-)
As the video was starting, my immediate thought was "The Sting has to be in there", as I have just rewatched it recently and was thoroughly blown away, it has aged like a fine wine. Having not seen as many gambling movies as Kermode, "Croupier" would make my list, yet I'm somewhat surprised that he didn't mention "California Split". As for movies where gambling figures prominently but is not quite the main theme, the very best of the best (again - which I have seen) may be "House Of Games", followed by John Sayle's "Eight Men Out" (such a spectacularly talented writer-director, I am in awe of that man), Abel Ferrara's "House Of Games" and "Casino Royale".
The Color of Money is minot Scorsese, but it was my first Scorsese and it blew my teenage mind. He directed that picture within an inch of its life. Newman was fantastic in it.
The James Caan "The Gambler" is definitely a hard hitting character piece that shows a steep downward spiral of a man and his vices. The Wahlberg version is a nicely done film, but is certainly a more romanticized style of film with extremely little of the weight that Toback's original had. And no, I don't gamble either. You can't gamble if you can't stand to lose.
Personally I'm a big fan of the 2006 Casino Royal. Its the Bond film that got me re-interested in Bond again and I maintain that its one of 007's best.
+c knott Pity the gambling itself is so utterly ridiculous. Edward G Robinson's character plays terribly, gets unbelievably lucky and then has the audacity to give the Kid a lecture on who the better man is. Still a great film though.
The ending to the sting was completely ruined for me by a documentary called the universal story. A couple of my friends had watched it recently and were up in arms that the documentary revealed the ending and now everytime I watch it all I can think of is that I know how it ends.
I was recently on a Gambling Movies trip; and watching Mississippi Grind after having seen California Split and the Gambler... well... the former felt like an amalgamation of the last two. The Gambler for me sticks to a tight narrative. while California Split felt slightly all over the place, exactly like Miss Grind. Gotto disagree with you on this one Doc.
Good list The Hustler is a movie I enjoyed more than I thought I would so I'd have that in my list.....Hard Eight would be my number 1 though I've not seen Bob le Flambeur......really should check it out. :)
+tmcthree Ah.....Noted, that's maybe why he didn't include it here [or at least give it an "honorable mention" ha]. I would include it partly because if someone's putting money on something, I see that as gambling......and partly because I can't think of that many gambling movies ha. :)
No "Rounders"? Interesting, but I have to say that "Rounders" is really darn good. I'd probably let it bump out the Stanwyck film from the fifth slot, but I have never much liked Stanwyck.
Did anyone else think this list was very unlike Mark? I usually love him for his opinionated blogs but here it seemed to all be "Roger Ebert said this, it won this many Golden Globes, Jean-Luc Godard said that". Not like Mark to count anyone else's opinion but his own.
In no particular order: Casino (1995) Rounders (1998) House of Games (1987) The Cooler (2003) Croupier (1998) Shade (2003) Eight Men Out (1988) The Color of Money (1986)
Lost in America by Albert Brooks, probably doesn't count but anyone who's seen it will understand. California Split, I get the distinct feeling Mark doesn't like Altman period! House of Games.
Most of these were well before my time.. I honestly didnt hate The Gambler, despite Wahlberg's recently terrible movies (ted, entourage, pain & gain). Big fan of Rounders, Casino and Poolhall Junkies.
Hard eight? really? even PTA didn't like it that much, well mainly because the studio messed with it. I know it's not really a gambling movie, but having autism my self, I always find it funny to quote rain man when I gamble with mates every now and then.
Good list. If it were extended to a Top Ten, I'd maybe add Rounders (1998), Casino (1995), Croupier (1998), Owning Mahowny (2003) and The Colour Of Money (1986)
Rounders is a forgotten gem.
Great scenery chewing performance by John Malkovich.
The final poker game is very tense and a lot of fun to watch.
Robert Altman's California Split for sure, especially since Mississippi Grind itself owes a huge debt (pun intended) to the film.
rounders!!
4 years late, but how Rounders didn’t make this list is beyond me!
Does Croupier count?
Not sure whether it really counts as a "gambling" movie but, because gambling is such an integral part to it, I'd probably say Casino. People sometimes say it's just Scorsese doing Goodfellas again but I think there's enough, when you really watch it, that is different, visually enthralling and masterfully put-together that makes it an absolute joy to watch.
I have always thought casino was better than goodfellas, even Joe pesci and de niro give better performances
Also all 4 Transformers movies are gambling films, they are a gamble on whether or not I take my own life before the end credits.
Thanks for the recommendations!
Surprised not to see The Hustler in there.
And I would have to put A Big Hand For The Little Lady (1966) in there too. Watched it recently, enjoyed it very much. :-)
Owning Mahowny with P.S Hoffman - a little gem.
+Paul Martin Utterly brilliant film!
+Paul Martin Definitely Owning Mahowny. Great movie.
As the video was starting, my immediate thought was "The Sting has to be in there", as I have just rewatched it recently and was thoroughly blown away, it has aged like a fine wine.
Having not seen as many gambling movies as Kermode, "Croupier" would make my list, yet I'm somewhat surprised that he didn't mention "California Split".
As for movies where gambling figures prominently but is not quite the main theme, the very best of the best (again - which I have seen) may be "House Of Games", followed by John Sayle's "Eight Men Out" (such a spectacularly talented writer-director, I am in awe of that man), Abel Ferrara's "House Of Games" and "Casino Royale".
The Color of Money is minot Scorsese, but it was my first Scorsese and it blew my teenage mind. He directed that picture within an inch of its life. Newman was fantastic in it.
The Hustler, Rounders and Cincinati Kid!
seen a few people suggesting rounders. I have to agree, love that film! probs need to know your straights from your flushes though!
The James Caan "The Gambler" is definitely a hard hitting character piece that shows a steep downward spiral of a man and his vices. The Wahlberg version is a nicely done film, but is certainly a more romanticized style of film with extremely little of the weight that Toback's original had. And no, I don't gamble either. You can't gamble if you can't stand to lose.
That turtle neck sweater made me spit my wine with laughter. Always good to see a film journalist looking the part.
Personally I'm a big fan of the 2006 Casino Royal. Its the Bond film that got me re-interested in Bond again and I maintain that its one of 007's best.
+hairychris444 if they made 100% perfect poker in movies it would be boring to most of the auidence
The Cooler? Perhaps not a 'gambling film' but more of a film set in and around a casino.
at 1:00 anyone else think Ben Mendelsohn looks a bit Ian Beale?
+Thomas Green Haha, he does a bit - brilliant!
:)
The Cincinnati Kid? Steve McQueen and a very impressive Edward G Robinson.
+c knott Yes! That was what I thought was going to be number two (The Sting is number one...)
+c knott Pity the gambling itself is so utterly ridiculous. Edward G Robinson's character plays terribly, gets unbelievably lucky and then has the audacity to give the Kid a lecture on who the better man is. Still a great film though.
+c knott Yes. Love that movie and Steve McQueen.
+Luvie1980 Watched a documentary at the London Film Festival about Steve McQueen and his struggle to make the film Le Mans. Worth checking out!
c knott What's the name of it?
Wow. Did not know The Exorcist was Kermode's favorite film.
I certainly think Casino deserves a mention even if it isn't strictly a "gambling movie".
Surprised no one in the comments has mentioned Rain Man. I love that movie.
Casino scene in Run Lola Run. The Sting is a Con genre film that involves gambling. It is not a gambling film.
in your list of PTA films to discribe his back catelogue; i thought you would atleast put your favourite: punch drunk love, on that list
Altman's California Split is the one for me.
I have never heard Mark reference any films by Altman, glad to see many people mentioned it in the comments.
Missing Casino on the list I think!
Croupier (but will have to watch all these now, not seen them)
King pin was my favourite gambling move when I was a lad
What about 'The Hustler'? Surely a gambling film that isn't lost on you?
Paul Thomas Anderson is such a talent
The ending to the sting was completely ruined for me by a documentary called the universal story. A couple of my friends had watched it recently and were up in arms that the documentary revealed the ending and now everytime I watch it all I can think of is that I know how it ends.
I was recently on a Gambling Movies trip; and watching Mississippi Grind after having seen California Split and the Gambler... well... the former felt like an amalgamation of the last two. The Gambler for me sticks to a tight narrative. while California Split felt slightly all over the place, exactly like Miss Grind. Gotto disagree with you on this one Doc.
Does Rain Man count?
No ear-piercingly loud beeps? I'd never have bet on that. Oh, yeah. The Cincinnati Kid.
Good list
The Hustler is a movie I enjoyed more than I thought I would so I'd have that in my list.....Hard Eight would be my number 1 though
I've not seen Bob le Flambeur......really should check it out.
:)
+Pete W Had Bob le Flambeur on dvd for yonks, this has just reminded me to watch it, which I am doing as we speak.
+Pete W Pool isn't gambling. Skill games don't count as gambling because they're not based on chance.
+tmcthree Ah.....Noted, that's maybe why he didn't include it here [or at least give it an "honorable mention" ha].
I would include it partly because if someone's putting money on something, I see that as gambling......and partly because I can't think of that many gambling movies ha.
:)
+SlowJoman Looking forward to watching soon
:)
Pete W nice one brudda ;)
What? No California Split???
Where’s casini
No "Rounders"? Interesting, but I have to say that "Rounders" is really darn good. I'd probably let it bump out the Stanwyck film from the fifth slot, but I have never much liked Stanwyck.
Give dat man hiz mooooooooooney!!!
California Split / Casino / Rounders
The Cincinnati Kid?
5. The Gambler
4. The Hustler
3. The Cincinnati Kid
2. The Sting
1. Rounders
California Split?
California Split 1974
Does Kermode have any vices?
+Paperbagman555 The Stath ;)
The Cooler (2003). But then I just love William H Macy.
Did anyone else think this list was very unlike Mark? I usually love him for his opinionated blogs but here it seemed to all be "Roger Ebert said this, it won this many Golden Globes, Jean-Luc Godard said that". Not like Mark to count anyone else's opinion but his own.
The Cincinnaty Kid
In no particular order:
Casino (1995)
Rounders (1998)
House of Games (1987)
The Cooler (2003)
Croupier (1998)
Shade (2003)
Eight Men Out (1988)
The Color of Money (1986)
The Sting does not hold up at all where as Bob le flambeau still does
Wall Street
+BaconBaconBaconable good choice
Rounders, The Cooler, Kaleidescope, Owning Mahowny, The Cincinnati Kid ... so many good ones not on the list
The Hustler!!!!!!
+Soul Thompson Pool isn't gambling. Skill games don't count as gambling because they're not based on chance.
'House of Games' and 'The Grifters' would have to be on my list.
It's not necessarily a perfect movie, but I love Owning Mahoney, mostly because of Philip Seymour Hoffman's incredible performance.
intacto
Lost in America by Albert Brooks, probably doesn't count but anyone who's seen it will understand. California Split, I get the distinct feeling Mark doesn't like Altman period! House of Games.
Let it Ride for the horseracing punters. also liked The Cooler
The Cincinnati Kid and Owning Mahowny
You left out.
Owning Mahowny
Rounders
The Hustler
The Color of Money
Oceans 11
CROUPIER
Most of these were well before my time.. I honestly didnt hate The Gambler, despite Wahlberg's recently terrible movies (ted, entourage, pain & gain). Big fan of Rounders, Casino and Poolhall Junkies.
Scorsese's Casino. Hands down.
Another vote for rounders
California Split
Hard eight? really? even PTA didn't like it that much, well mainly because the studio messed with it. I know it's not really a gambling movie, but having autism my self, I always find it funny to quote rain man when I gamble with mates every now and then.
the cooler 2003
Rounders
Good list. If it were extended to a Top Ten, I'd maybe add Rounders (1998), Casino (1995), Croupier (1998), Owning Mahowny (2003) and The Colour Of Money (1986)
L tend to think of "The Stong" asmore a con movie, than a gambling one.
Maverick anyone??? :-D
Pool Hall Junkies
Teddy KGB is not impressed....
That turtle neck sweater made me spit my wine with laughter. Always good to see a film journalist looking the part.
California Split