The Gambler Review

In this article, we won’t discuss any no deposit bonus codes and share tips on how to win at slots. Instead, we will talk about a legendary movie called “The Gambler”.

The Gambler is one of the best gambling pictures ever made. It is based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel — The Gambler — and was filmed in 2014. The Gambler is an American crime drama directed by Rupert Wyatt.

It is a story about a brilliant writer and a great teacher, Jim Bennett, who turns into an avid gambler. He is deep in the world where laws can’t protect him. One day Jim puts everything on the line, including his own life. Those to whom he owes are dangerous people, and only those who are even more dangerous can help him.

Is a man who has lost himself worthy of a second chance? And if so, how much will it cost him?

Plot

The story centres on the life of Jim Bennett — a talented teacher who tries his best to reach out to his students, but sees only indifference. He is a man who does not find understanding from his superiors and starts playing in a gambling house for one purpose — to deal with negative emotions.

One day, playing at an illegal casino, Jim reaches his “goal” — he loses all the money he has.

Fortune does not want to smile on him. As a result, the teacher owes a large sum to the brothel owner Lee and loan shark Neville Baraka. 

They understand Jim’s got a sensitive nature and is even prone to suicide. He does not want to stop and takes another debt. 

Finally, being on the verge of death, Jim comes to his students and continues teaching the history of English literature. Ironically, this turns out to be a lifesaver for Bennet: indifferent students come to his aid, and he finds love. She is a girl with writing talent. So, being on the edge of the abyss, he quits.

There are several significant aspects that matter: Jim’s relationship with his mother — a woman from whom he borrows money, his relationship with students (as we mentioned, he is a very talented teacher with his teaching style), especially his reverent attitude to one student — Amy Phillips — the girl who knows about his secret life. 

The Gambler is a thrilling crime drama that shows what gambling can do to a man and how it is important to call it a day.

Production

In 2011, Paramount Pictures announced an upcoming gambling movie called “The Gambler”.

The same year the screenwriter of the 1974 version gave an interview where he spoke negatively about the idea of the movie remake. There were many controversies about the production: it was still unclear who would be a film director and what actors would be starring there. Only in 2013 actor Mark Wahlberg and director Rupert Wyatt were involved in film production.

Ratings

The Gambler was released in North America on December 25, 2014, by Paramount Pictures. The film received generally unfavourable reviews from critics but was a box office success, grossing $167 million worldwide.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a rating of 44%. It is based on the number of registered users who voted.

Many viewers noticed that “the Gambler is just shy of a great movie. It does not quite add up as it should”. People considered the film too academic and a bit out of time. But viewers were thrilled with Mark Wahlberg’s acting. 

Many watchers remarked that the picture gives “a philosophical look at life’s big issues, using Bennett’s fall from grace as a backdrop, but in the end, delivers Hollywood cynicism”.

It is hard to evaluate a work of art. This is why a picture is worth a thousand words.