Hollywood feeds off of (fictional) drama. The average scriptwriter is responsible for infusing their work with as much irresistible content as possible. While this pans out differently across various genres, there are a few key staples. One is the casino, which Hollywood has relied on for decades.
This is unsurprising considering the history of Hollywood; major production managers, such as MGM’s Kirk Kerkorian, were actually responsible for launching some of the greatest casino-resorts on the Strip. Unsurprisingly, major casino games and the Las Vegas Strip alike have found their way into dozens of blockbuster hits.
From The Hangover to Rain Man, these hits run the gamut in terms of genre and tone. But if there’s one thing that poker players, in particular, have noticed, it’s that filmmakers struggle to correctly portray games like poker. The vast majority of projects, including 2022’s Poker Face, simply miss the mark.
But why is that—especially given the game’s popularity?
Defining ‘Real World Poker’
Before we start critiquing Hollywood’s interpretation of poker, let’s cover what this game looks like in the real world. Modern poker was revitalized thanks to the very first World Series of Poker, held in Las Vegas back in 1979. Since then, the game has gone virtual. Though the WSOP continues today, and recently welcomed a record-breaking pool of 10,000 players to its 2023 event, the vast majority of players stick to virtual platforms.
Players, whether they get their start with PokerStars online poker or by playing in person, are known for being analytical, decisive, adaptable, and confident. And, despite Hollywood’s obsession with poker and its most dramatic settings, most players simply enjoy playing Texas Hold’em or Omaha as a hobby—that someday might go professional, of course.
Projects that Flopped
Sounds straightforward enough, right? Given poker’s naturally titillating setup, which involves random card deals, the ability to bluff to the top, and a dizzying array of tactics, the drama is already there. However, it seems that Hollywood regularly attempts to infuse the game with too much drama.
In Casino Royale, for example, James Bond takes on the film’s villain in a game of Texas Hold’em. He wins a pot worth $115 million—playing his straight flush, which beats out the villain’s full house and another player’s ace-high flush. Few poker players will have ever been surrounded by such a stunning set of hand rankings.
Still, Bond’s win in Casino Royale is still a lot more believable than the poker games found in Lucky You, starring Eric Bana and Robert Duvall, or the sudden switch from threes to jacks in The Sting’s tensest poker moment.
The Silver Lining: Rounders & Molly’s Game
Duds aside, there’s a silver lining here: some films have managed to hit the nail on the head in terms of poker content. Rounders, for example, does a fantastic job of breaking down how the game works, why each move is dramatic, and what type of strategy is important during each stage of play. The film was so successful that it helped inspire a new generation of poker players.
Similarly, Molly’s Game, which focuses on high-stakes private games, benefits from a dose of realism. In this case, it comes from the real-life experiences of Molly Bloom, who once ran a private poker club. With Aaron Sorkin at the helm, it’s no surprise this 2017 hit has been remembered by poker buffs.
