Rounders
(1998)
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Damon is Mike McDermott, a law student who has given up his true talent (and love), gambling, when he loses all of his money to Teddy KGB (Malkovich in a hilarious role). Months later, when his friend Worm (Norton) gets out of jail and is on a strict deadline to repay a $15,000 debt to Teddy, he must decide whether or not to help his friend, threatening his student status and relationship with his girlfriend (Mol). Tightly written, beautifully photographed by the brilliant Escoffier, and well-played all across the board (particularly by Norton), this is a work of slick, enjoyable entertainment. |
In this entertaining drama, Matt Damon plays legal student-turned-poker player Mike McDermott, who keeps his cards — and his emotions — close to his chest. After losing his life savings, McDermott promises his girlfriend (Gretchen Mol) he'll give up the game, but the lure of the tables proves strong when a friend and fellow gambler (Edward Norton) comes out of jail with a pressing need to pay off a debt. Damon and Norton give accomplished performances, and they're well supported by a stellar cast that includes John Malkovich, John Turturro and Martin Landau. Director John Dahl established the vogue for “nouveau” film noir with his superb The Last Seduction, and he imbues this with a similar downbeat atmosphere that atones for the rather sketchily drawn characters and overfamiliar plot.