FFWD Weekly
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Film by by C. Ian Hutchins Croupier Starring Clive Owen, Alex Kingston and Gina McKee Directed by Mike Hodges Opens Friday, September 1 Globe Cinema Do you feel lucky? You will if you decide to take a calculated risk and see the film Croupier, a clever and refreshing spin through the world of gambling, writing, and the moral cost of both. Set in a rather rainy London, Croupier plunges into the life of Jack Manfred (Clive Owen), an out-of-work writer perplexed by his ostensibly stagnant life. With no muse and no money, Jack’s despondency forces him to take on a job arranged for him by his seemingly well-meaning father. Unfortunately for Jack, the job involves something he thought he had left behind in his life: gambling. Not that Jack has to gamble, mind you – he simply has to follow the rules and be a good and honest croupier (or "dealer" for those out there like myself who had no freaking idea what a croupier was). Jack adapts quickly to his "new" job, and before long is starting to sadistically enjoy watching people lose their money – amongst other things. As he begins to sink deeper into the smoky and seedy realm, he begins to write again, using the oft despicable and always deceptive denizens of the casino – including himself – as the characters for his novel. Jack, who is now struggling to maintain a semblance of independence from his alter-ego "Jake," becomes increasingly distant from his mildly virtuous disposition. His relationship with Marion (Gina McKee), the woman he half-loves and openly admits is his only link to his conscience, begins to deteriorate. With a penchant towards vodka, women and risk, Jake begins to subvert Jack’s decision-making processes and leads him farther into his story and ultimately towards his destiny. Croupier is one of the slickest, most enjoyable films I’ve seen in a regrettably long time. I was helplessly pulled into Jack’s world and mentality by the startlingly insightful and relentless dialogue. Once there, the rare characters who sauntered languidly through a haze of human insecurities trapped me. Many of the characters feign casual confidence, but the ruse becomes apparent when things start to go wrong. Despite the near perfect flow and development of the story, it is the actors who really turn Croupier into a fascinating and unusual film. Jack was one of the most likable characters I’ve ever seen, thanks in large part to Owen’s masterfully subtle presentation. Watching the film, the phrase "women want him, men want to be him" repeated unbidden in my mind. And Owen isn’t alone. The uncommonly beautiful Alex Kingston plays Jani de Villiers, a grifter with a deliberately obfuscated role in Jack’s life. Kingston comes close to besting Owen’s performance, but her somewhat shorter time on screen gives Owen a formidable edge. Too bad. Frankly, I like films that involve gambling in some way. Most recently Rounders and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels were my favourites. Croupier is significantly better than the former, but falls just shy of bettering the latter. Either way, it is a safe bet you’ll enjoy it – otherwise all bets are off.

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