Jack Manfred is an aspiring writer who to make ends meet, takes a job as a croupier. Jack remains an observer, knowing that everything in life is a gamble and that gamblers are born to lose. Inevitably, he gets sucked into the world of the casino which takes its toll on his relationships and the novel he is writing.
Acting
Owen's breakout—charismatic, hollow, utterly unreadable.
Direction
Hodges treats London casinos like spiritual wastelands.
Writing
Screenplay by a real croupier; the jargon cuts like a blade.
Director
Mike Hodges
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Screenwriter Paul Mayersberg spent years as a real croupier; every roulette trick and dealer superstition is authentic.
This film made Clive Owen a star in the UK but flopped Stateside—Steven Soderbergh reportedly cast him in 'The Limey' purely off this performance.
GB
