Sydney (1996)
Genre: Drama / Crime
Duration: 102 minuten
Alternative title: Hard Eight
Country:
United States
Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Stars: Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly and Gwyneth Paltrow
IMDb score:
7,1 (60.195)
Releasedate: 28 February 1997
Sydney plot
"When good luck is a long shot, you have to hedge your bets."
Young gambler John (John C. Reilly) sits penniless against the outside wall of a cafeteria when he is picked up by the elderly, well-dressed Sydney (Philip Baker Hall). This former gambler offers John to borrow money from him and guide him in the casinos of Reno. Sydney teaches young John the ropes of gambling and their bond grows closer.
Actors and actresses
Sydney Brown
John Finnegan
Clementine
Jimmy
Hostage
Young Craps Player
Restroom Attendant
Waitress
Keno Bar Manager
Keno Girl
Reviews & comments
Insignificance
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- 3220 messages
- 5589 votes
Attractive debut from Anderson. Elegantly and subtly shot, for the most part a pleasant, flowing cadence and at key moments invariably musical support that matters. When Clementine with cramped hands wonders what Sydney is planning for her, for example. It provides such a seemingly simple scene with extra cachet.
In any case, the film can live on its main character and his mysterious behavior for a long time. Philip Baker Hall is great as an endearing, understanding good guy who has his limits. You can taste the irritation in everything when Jimmy behaves rudely. The kind of sophistication that Anderson just as easily throws overboard when Philip Seymour Hoffman comes to steal the show.
In fact, he does the same with his film, although it is more of a gradual process. As it increasingly behaves like a thriller, it quietly becomes one that is guided more by the plot rather than the central character. Rather a pity than that it is a real blemish in an otherwise moody and atmospheric film that cannot be caught on a false note.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Ferdydurke
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- 1353 messages
- 854 votes
Ha, Aimee Mann can already be heard here. Partner Michael Penn did the soundtrack, along with Jon Brion.
Film is even a bit stronger than I remembered. The original plot, the beautiful camera work and above all a great Philip Baker Hall make this debut a small masterpiece. The rest of the cast is also excellent.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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