Gambling is all about having fun and being entertained. The thrill of risking it all for that big win is one of the primary ways for adults to let loose and have fun. Some start with free slots while others decide to risk hard-earned cash. Nevertheless, the games can be so exciting that even movies are made from them. Some of them recreate that film into exciting plays. Others can weave together a deep story on the way gambling can affect the human psyche. Whatever you are into, there are many casino films for you to watch and experience. Here are some of the top recommendations to sit down, place your bets and sweat with anticipation.
Tricheurs (1984)
Here is one that you may have never heard of. In 1984, director Barbet Schroeder brought you this dark thriller about a charming gambler. His whole deal is that he is so addicted to gambling, he doesn’t even care if he wins or loses. It’s an itch that he constantly needs scratching. His unfortunate addiction leads him into joining up with a mysterious man with a scheme, dragging him into a complicated web of cheating that reaches levels of unimaginable thrills. He constantly raises the stakes until the pans come tumbling down just like the reels they bet on. The film is not judgmental of either party. Whether you are a gambler or a cheater, the movie is not afraid to showcase the inevitable dark path for those who become addicted to gambling life. Nevertheless, the thrill never ceases as it shows you the wicked adventure in all of its glory.
Hard Eight (1996)
This is the first movie brought to you by an upcoming director of the time, Paul Thomas Anderson. The movie itself was an adaptation of a short film he made called “Coffee & Cigarettes.” It took a long time for this movie to get fully realized, with custody over the rights and the hatred he has, even for the title of the film itself. While it may not be as good as his future works, it still stands the test of time as a remarkable debut. The story is about a quiet gambler who learns to survive in the streets of Las Vegas through gambling. He enjoys his solitary life until he comes across those that actually want his help. The film offers a deep insight into the lives of ordinary men of the casino—the ones who fly under the radar, whether they are big winners or bankrupt losers. In comparison to the adventurous gamblers, it’s thoughtful to see the lives of the mundane.
Uncut Gems (2019)
A movie that spawned its own popular meme, with the “this is how I win” scene. Unbeknownst to others, though, is that the scene itself is incredibly brutal. The thriller created by Josh and Benny Safdie is both intense and thought-provoking. It is another feature that focuses on the horrific sides of gambling addiction. The character Howard, played by Adam Sandler, is a gambling addict who heads straight towards the path of self-destruction. What makes this one stand out, however, is the way the movie is themed. The madcap charisma that Howard exuberates pulls into his mindset. You almost end up believing in the sheer optimism and craziness of this man. Perhaps thinking, “maybe this time he will pull it off and win big time.” Only to be smacked with the cold, hard reality of the massive losses he experiences. Yet morbid as it sounds, even after the tragic finale, you might get into gambling yourself, completely ignoring the horrible fate that Howard experiences. Almost as if you get addicted yourself.
The Gambler (1974)
The Gambler is yet another that focuses on gambling addiction. Only this time, it offers a more personal touch. The writer of this movie, James Toback, based this screenplay on his own experiences of gambling addiction. The 1974 James Caan version, however, takes this concept to show just how dark the mindset of an addict can get. Every decision that the main character, Axel, takes is just another excuse for him to go deeper, digging himself into a much more treacherous hole than the last, suffering all these losses because this is what he enjoys most, not necessarily the winning itself. We get further drawn into the madness for the next rush that he ends up taking on even bigger games of chance, even the dangerous game of Russian Roulette.
California Split (1974)
It is an instant classic in the world of gambling movies, focusing on the friendship between two men of the casino. The characters, Charlie and Bill, gamble together through thick and thin, always trying to one-up each other for the next big win. The charm and laid-back attitude of these two is enough to entice you into being their friend as well. The shots of the games they play to the times they hangout. Everything builds up this unbreakable bond. Until the gut-wrenching ending comes along, that is. This heartbreaking tale deserves all of the praise it has received over the years. It is an emotional rollercoaster of risking not just your wealth but the connection you share with people you love.
For more recommendations related to the casino industry, meet Erica Walter. She is an expert in casino games thanks to many years of reviewing slot machines and table games.
