Gambler, The

“The Gambler” was remade in 2014 starring Mark Wahlberg. It’s an OK film as long as you have never seen this version. Some films really can’t be remade because the ingredients that made them special can’t be duplicated; this is such a film.Sam Goldwyn once said that it is the last five minutes of a movie that makes it memorable. The air of anticipation and sense of dread that runs through the 1974 version gives way to a finale that is impossible to forget.James Caan, in a performance that at first seems wooden but turns out to be just about perfect, plays Axel Freed, a college professor with an addiction to gambling. Gambling rules Axel's life to the point where it undermines his loyalty to his family, his girlfriend and ultimately himself. Although he is absorbed with gambling, he comes from a privileged background.This back-story gives "The Gambler" an unusual edge. His mother is a leading surgeon at a large city hospital and his grandfather, who he reveres, is a wealthy Jewish immigrant who has made good on the American Dream.Axel is also seriously in debt and it is a condition that does not change much throughout the movie. Unfortunately he is in debt to people who do not forgive non-payment.After borrowing money from his mother to pay off the debt, he takes his girlfriend to Las Vegas and gambles it instead. It is as though he is forcing the odds to the point where he will be destroyed. His girlfriend, Billie, played by Lauren Hutton, who is attracted to Axel’s sense of danger, finds him even too reckless for her.To save himself, Axel is forced to morally descend to the lowest point in his life.Finally, he receives the horrible punishment he seems to seek by pushing his luck in the wrong end of town. The film ends with a cinematic image not easily erased from the memory.The screenplay by James Toback was largely autobiographical. He must have been seeking catharsis through the painful self-revelations in this story, which if it makes any point it is that the ultimate objective of the chronic gambler is to lose.Karel Reisz directed the film in a dispassionate manner that adds to its power. This is a film with little sympathy or compromise. It is difficult for the audience to like Axel. He seems alienated from the normal joys of life. The only way he can lift his emotional level is to walk along the edge of the precipice.An unusual background score helps give the film its all-pervading mood. Based on Mahler's Symphony #1, "The Titan", the score was arranged by Jerry Fielding, a fine composer in his own right. Despite its classical origins, Mahler's work in this film sounds ominous and surprisingly contemporary.It's only when it's over that you realise how remarkable “The Gambler” really is – without a doubt, one of the most arresting films of the 1970's.

I was commenting to my Mother how this film from 1974 had it been made today would have at most been a PG-13 film. But in 1974 it was over the top. There were only two or three instances of curse words used and one brief spell of nudity. Other than that it's a tame movie other than its subject matter. My Mother is an English Literature Professor and she recognized the irony in Dostoevsky in "The Gambler".James can plays a college professor who is a chronic gambler. He gambles and gambles and gambles to the point where even his acquaintances in the life begin to question him. Even when bailed out by his Mother Caan still gambles the money that she gave to him! To me it makes no sense but to anyone who has been a gambler they can understand the plight that this character goes through. It's very sad and as Caan's character goes into the depths he is forced to solicit a basketball player's assistance in point shaving. this saves Caan's character but despite this "second chance" he ends up back where he started when he puts himself and his reputation on the line. The ending of the movie is a bit far-fetched but it matches the tone of his character, a man who has no self control over his actions, a man who lives a double life but in that second life cannot control himself.I highly recommend this film. I give it Four Stars. I'm the 176th person to review the 1974 original film. I will also review the 2014 version. Buy this and you won't be disappointed.A. Nathaniel Wallace, Jr.

Although some would say this movie was "done well," and I would agree, I found the ending to be empty and absurd. James Caan plays a character who's both likable and loathsome. It's hard to pull that off, so hats off to him, the script-writers, and director. To me the movie would've been just fine without the ending. The ending feels absurd, cheesy, and empty. I walked away from this film wondering why I ever watched it in the first place. It feels like you're in this hole that just keeps going down, but maybe that's the point. Would I recommend watching it? Sure, if you have the stomach for what's rated R in this movie... because it's a great James Caan movie otherwise.

Gritty, well-acted entry in the 70s era American Realism school, with superb performances from all concerned. Although "The Godfather" may have been considered Caan's best role, I would argue that he has never been better than when playing a morally bankrupt English Professor who has a serious gambling addiction. As a famous book says, "frothy emotional appeals" don't help, as he literally spirals down into a rabbit hole of questionable choices. Caan's performance would be worth the price of admission, but a sterling supporting cast makes this very good film an excellent one. The great Paul Sorvino as Caan's friend/bookie (an oxymoron if there ever was one), the late, great Burt Young as a nearly anonymous thug, Lauren Hutton (yes, Lauren Hutton) as the obligatory, and nearly un-necessary girlfriend and a marvelous little early role by James Woods as an insensitive Banker. Lest you think there are not good female roles in this pretty male film, Jacqueline Brookes is marvelous as Caan's suffering mother. Great stuff, and as relevant today as it was in 1974.

The visual and audio transfer was a bit dissapointing if I am being completely honest. (Although its likely the best version of the film out there to-date.) The disc and artwork are sharp as per usual w/ Imprint. I just wish the visuals, audio, and supplements were a bit better. Grade for film: A-; Grade for disc: B-

I suppose there are James Caan fans that will disagree with me but I consider this his best work in a film. I’m not gonna talk about plot or the ending- which has drawn criticism - or anything about the film but I will simply say that IMHO it’s worth viewing if you’re a fan of Mr. Caan’s work.

Maybe Reisz best film although not one of his most famous. james Caan in his lifetime performance, he gives all the shades of grey of this lost man, in a fantastic adaptation of Dostoyewski. Bitter, dry, dramatic, classy and tough at the same time

Very Happy!! 10/10

Great movie.Good acting.Just try it, I know I did ,without knowing much about it beforehand but I was surprised how good it is.neglected 70s....

A very good James Caan in an interesting look at the life of a compulsive Gamblers and why he is one.Educational as well as enjoyable.

Very well acted, gritty storyline, so well done all round. It begs the question, why no bluray anywhere in the world?