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Thursday, Sept. 17, 1998 |
Movie News |
By Sommer Mathis, State Press Magazine Related story: ASU grad hits it big in Hollywood with Rounders Rounders, a new film by John Dahl, has something in it for just about everyone. For guys, it's got fast-talking testosterone filled poker action that never slows down, never fails to intrigue. For the ladies, I have just two words: Matt Damon--and that Edward Norton guy isn't too hard to look at either. Besides just the eye candy, Rounders also offers something different than your usual guy that has to choose between one way of life or the other type movies. No, in this film, screenwriters David Levien and Brian Koppelman give us a story about a man who has to take the path he was meant for, but not necessarily the one that's considered more honorable by most people. The story revolves around Mike McDermott (played by hunky Matt Damon), an ace card player who gave up poker to become a lawyer and for the sake of his adorable girlfriend, Jo (Gretchen Mol). Trouble begins when his oldest friend and fellow rounder (someone who makes a living by playing cards), Worm (Edward Norton), gets out of prison. Worm convinces Mike to play just one more night so the two of them can rake in enough cash to get Worm back on his feet. But wouldn't you know it, that one night turns into many more nights that cause Mike and Worm to get into a bit of trouble with some thugs to whom Worm owes money. And so the trouble really begins. The refreshing part of this seemingly tired plot is that Rounders doesn't portray poker as some horrible, sinful addiction that Mike has been sucked into. Instead, it focuses on the romance and skill behind the game, treating it as a calling as opposed to a compulsion. Mike isn't bad for wanting to play cards, because he's awfully good at it and he truly enjoys it. Director John Dahl (Red Rock West and The Last Seduction) creates a vivid picture of the underground card clubs in New York with the help of brilliant cinematographer Jean Yves Escoffier. Escoffier is best known for his work in "Good Will Hunting" and several French language films directed by Leos Carax. The shadowy, sketchy nature of the character's surroundings really come to life in this picture through his photography. In addition to all that are some outstanding performances, not only by Damon and Norton, but most notably by the supporting cast, filled to the brim with acclaimed actors. There's John Malkovich as the guy everybody's afraid of, Teddy KGB. This character is especially scary because Malkovich makes him seem so non-threatening, even though you know how dangerous he is. Martin Landau and John Turturro round out the supporting cast, both giving performances worthy of their reputations. "Rounders" is just generally a satisfying film. It has all of the angles, just like the poker players it portrays, but still has something different from your typical Hollywood fork in the road situation. This movie has a message that's new, and not entirely wrong. There comes a time when you have to realize that what you're meant to do can't be changed, even if it's not the legal thing or the right thing. Maybe it's about time more people realized that. |
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