Director: Paul Schrader
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Willem Dafoe and Tiffany Haddish
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have earned the appreciation of Oscar Isaac. Ever since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Isaac has become an icon. Whether it’s folk singers, criminal drivers or space scavengers, Isaac has played many characters. Arguably, Isaac’s greatest strength as an actor is his strong commitment towards his craft. He’s one of those rare actors that has always poured both his heart and soul into every role. Isaac has rarely been afraid of taking a risk by choosing to portray characters which aren’t often likeable. Through his ability to portray larger than life characters which are compelling, Isaac has created a strong legacy that is lasting. A commemorated icon in entertainment, Isaac has always stood out in the industry due to his commitment. He has shined in every movie even if it isn’t supreme in quality. Throughout his commemorated career, Isaac has made movies which are definitely worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Isaac and admire all the movies which he has made in his career. However, “The Card Counter” is definitely my favourite. Released back in 2021, Paul Schneider’s movie offered a strong portrait of gambling. Packed with bold production, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the greatest movies ever made about gambling. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Oscar Isaac, who embodies a gambler seeking control in an intense situation. Ultimately, what makes “The Card Counter” a masterpiece is broad appeal. Unlike most movies about gamblers, it tackles strong themes which everyone will relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about gambling, there are several strong reasons why “The Card Counter” is a movie which is worth watching.
“The Card Counter” tells the story of a card counter that endures disaster. Oscar Isaac plays William Tell, a gambler that has often had a love for counting cards with stories to tell. William has often had a passion for art of gambling in a tense profession. However, William’s life forever changes when he gets involved in a scandal that causes a disaster. Faced with the angry competitor Cirk (Tye Sheridan), Willian is forced to question if it’s possible for him to attain success in a truly intense profession. Under intense pressure, Willian soon begins to wonder whether it’s possible for him to transform in a successful card competitor. Haunted by his tragic past, Willian questions whether his love for cards will forever last.
Paul Schrader is fascinated with the themes of obsession. A brilliant filmmaker, Schrader has often made engaging movies about the lives of addicts that face disaster. His iconic film “American Gigolo” offered an engaging portrait of strong millionaires facing sorrow. With “The Card Counter”, however, Schrader made his first ever gambling drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of gamblers facing adversities but he pulled it off successfully. Using captivating cinematography, Schrader captures the life of a a gambler on a journey. Evoking Martin Campbell’s “Casino Royale”, Schrader uses montages to capture the lives of spies that engage in terrifying gambling. For instance, montages elevate the card counting scene. During this unforgettable scene, William has his first ever gambling session that causes tension. Using montages, Schrader creates a stunning portrait of gambling. Montages are tricky techniques. As Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” suggested, montages often enhance science fiction films. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Using captivating visuals, Schrader captured tensions that gamblers are facing.
Another successful aspect of “The Card Counter” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well-made. Evoking Steven Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s Eleven”, Schrader uses production of casinos to capture the lives of gamblers which face tension. For instance, the set-design of casinos elevate the gambling competition scene. During this unforgettable scene, William engages in a gambling game that involves a great deal of pressure. Using stunning casino locations, Schrader crafts a strong portrait of gambling. Moreover, the musical score is phenomenal. Giancarlo Vulcano’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that gamblers bear. Using stunning production, Schrader captures gamblers which experience tense competition.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “The Card Counter” is a film about gambling that is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture lives of gamblers facing tension. Evoking Martin Scorsese’s “Casino”, Schrader successfully uses silence to capture tensions endured by gamblers in a casino. For instance, silence enhances the farewells scene. During this unforgettable scene, William bids heartfelt farewells to his casino following his victory. Through silence, Schrader crafts a portrait of gamblers that audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a complex technique to use in film. As The Coen Brothers’ “Inside Llewyn Davis” suggested, silence enhances commemorated films about musicians. Nevertheless, it works in this movie. Through a powerful screenplay, Schrader captures gamblers facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Oscar Isaac delivers one of his best career performances as William Tell. Isaac earned appreciation for playing violent criminals in dramas. With “The Card Counter”, however, he took upon his most complex role. It isn’t easy on portray a gambler facing adversity, but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and riveting in his most memorable role. With stunning expressions, he captures the ambition, desperation and grief of a card counter facing tensions. It’s a powerful performance by one of the finest actors today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Oscar Isaac, the supporting cast is also amazing and deserving of appreciation. Tiffany Haddish is terrific, capturing the strong drive to a woman seeking to win in a game she has grown to cherish. Willem Dafoe is wonderful, capturing the tense personality of a casino manager facing sorrow. Lastly, Tye Sheridan is deserving of appreciation. As a loyal gambler, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “The Card Counter” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing the lives of gamblers enduring pressure. Unlike most movies about gambling, it discusses bold themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including angst, bravery and trauma which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the profession of gambling to recognize it. Therefore, “The Card Counter” is one of those rare commemorated movies about gambling everyone would adore.
Fans of Oscar Isaac would definitely enjoy “The Card Counter” and so will audiences seeking enjoyable entertainment. A riveting period piece, it honours an actor which is inspiring.
Nearly five years following the release of a groundbreaking film about gamblers with a love for card counting, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray compelling characters in unforgettable movies which are absolutely worth definitely celebrating.
5/5
The Film Buff 