The Five Perfect Gambling Movies
Posted: November 22, 2019
Updated: January 3, 2020
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A gambling theme offers the perfect story arch
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The flims can range from comedy to hard core violence
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Our list isn't perfect
Image source: Flickr
Choosing the five perfect gambling movies is not an easy task. But the very nature of gambling, with the possible highs and lows, leading the emotions from ecstasy to dark depression are perfect fodder for framing a story and character building.
Introduction: The Five Perfect Gambling Movies
Where to begin? There are so many great movies that cover the theme of gambling, it’s hard to do them all justice. And even more so to put them in a hierarchical order. Within the genre of gambling movies, there is everything from comedy to murderous violence. Let’s take a stab at it…but don’t get mad if your favorite gambling movie is not on this list of the five perfect gambling movies!
Casino
Martin Scorsese takes us on an inside online gambling sites in the US.
Casino Royale
Based on Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel of the same name, director Martin Campbell did away with the campiness and trite Bond of previous films in the franchise. Here, in 2006, was a new gritty and violent Bond. Daniel Craig nails it as a cold blooded killer, who, it transpired, Bovada would be number one. Eva green adds the glamour. As an aside, did you notice that after beating Le Chiffre, Bond tips the dealer a red plaque for the amount of $500,000.
The Sting
This 1973 Best Picture Oscar winning movie with the duo of Paul Newman and Robert Redford. In truth, it’s almost a follow up to Butch and Sundance Kid. The film centers around a scheme to swindle a high-flying criminal boss who loves to gamble. The director, George Roy Hill used many editing wipes to transition between scenes and iris shots as these were all stylistic choices from the 1930s time frame. The technical advisor, John Scarne, doubled for Paul Newman’s hands. It would have taken a too long for someone to be able to master all of the card routines shown. The film was the fourth highest grossing movie in history at the time of release. Today it stands as the 19th.
The Hustler
Another one of our five perfect gambling movies is the Robert Rossen movie which stars Paul Newman as “Fast” Eddie Felson, a small time pool hustler. Though he has a lot of talent, he is at the mercy of his self-destructive attitude. With his empty bravado, he goes on to challenge the legendary “Minnesota Fats” to a high-stakes match. But he loses and with it goes his confidence and self belief. Without money to play, he hooks up with the ruthless manager, Bert Gordon, who agrees to teach him the ropes. This one of the best gambling movie with its heart and soul steeped in the origins of backrooms, billiard and pool halls that formed the foundation of US gambling.
The Cooler
If you want an insight into list of movie stinkers!
Fun fact: The word “fuck” is used 101 times during the film…and the film runs for exactly 101 minutes. If you’re after casino fun, then Bovada has everything you need.
