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Croupier
Film thillers don't have to yell. They don't have to end in a hail of gunfire, with car crashes and explosions littering the screen.
Croupier is such a thriller, one that doesn't need anything more than captivating performances and a fantastic script from Paul Mayersberg to keep the audience on the edge of its seat. In fact, the no-frills "action" of Cropuier only serves to heighten the film's stakes, creating more and more tension and building towards an unforeseen, yet satisfying, conclusion.
Clive Owen plays Jack, a frustrated writer who has little use for mainstream acceptance or sales-obsessed editors. However, he does have use for – and needs – a new character. He goes back to work as a croupier – a casino card dealer or bet taker – and simultaneously finds both inspiration and temptation, in the forms of a robbery and a new lover.
One of the more interesting aspects of Croupier is the depiction of gambling life in London. The "punters" (gamblers) are all dressed well, the croupiers are in tuxedos and there's a sense of class, yet there isn't a sense of enjoyment. The casino floor itself is nice, but there's no glitz, no neon, no massive blinking lights. The punters never look happy; they don't enjoy the act of gambling as much as they enjoy winning … and that's how gambling goes from a hobby to a problem.
Owen is outstanding as the even-keeled croupier Jack. But nearly stealing the show is Gina McKee as his girlfriend Marion, who seems to be in love with Jack as much as she is in love with the notion of dating a writer. She very easily could be unlikable, but manages to keep the audience's respect even through the end of the film.
Also deserving mention is Alex Kingston, who plays Jani. She's a great example of an actress not judging her character. Much like McKee, there is an ugly side to Kingston's character, a side that could make her completely unappealing. Instead, Jani is motivated by survival, not by greed - a much more desirable impulse.
Originally shown in the United States as part of the now-defunct Shooting Gallery Film Series in 2000, Croupier was a surprise hit. The film grossed more than $6 million while only showing in major markets at art house theaters.
The DVD
Video:
Image has done a good job with the picture, especially with the black levels in this dark film. It is 1.85:1, but not anamorphic.
Sound:
The stereo Dolby Digital presentation is crisp and very careful to keep the dialogue clear and understandable. The sounds inside the casino make their way across the speakers well, utilizing both speakers evenly and coolly. In many ways, the audio presentation matches the tone of the movie: Smooth, even and reserved.
Extras:
Croupier reinvents the term "bare-bones." There isn't even a main menu; stick the disc in and it begins to play the movie. Hit the menu button, and it brings you to the chapter summary. No trailers, no featurettes, no filmographies.
Final Thoughts:
It's wonderful to see Croupier finally make its way to a United States DVD release; the film has been available in Canada since 2001. Image has pounced on the rights to an excellent film, one that is far superior to most modern-day Hollywood suspense stories.
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