Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Philip Baker Hall | ... | Sydney | |
John C. Reilly | ... | John | |
Gwyneth Paltrow | ... | Clementine | |
Samuel L. Jackson | ... | Jimmy | |
F. William Parker | ... | Hostage | |
Philip Seymour Hoffman | ... | Young Craps Player (as Phillip Seymour Hoffman) | |
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Nathanael Cooper | ... | Restroom Attendant |
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Wynn White | ... | Waitress |
Robert Ridgely | ... | Keno Bar Manager | |
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Kathleen Campbell | ... | Keno Girl |
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Michael J. Rowe | ... | Pit Boss |
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Peter D'Allesandro | ... | Bartender |
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Steve Blane | ... | Stickman |
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Xaleese | ... | Cocktail Waitress |
Melora Walters | ... | Jimmy's Girl |
John has lost all his money. He sits outside a diner in the desert when Sydney happens along, buys him coffee, then takes him to Reno and shows him how to get a free room without losing much money. Under Sydney's fatherly tutelage, John becomes a successful small-time professional gambler, and all is well, until he falls for Clementine, a cocktail waitress and sometimes hooker. Written by Jon Reeves <jreeves@imdb.com>
Most people didn't catch this movie when it was released (in the cinema or on video), but did discover Paul Thomas Anderson's work with the phenomenal "Boogie Nights." Make no mistake: this film is every bit as good, perhaps better, than "Boogie." It's a small film whereas "Boogie" is a huge film, but it's packed with outstanding performances (many from actors and actresses who would go on to appear in "Boogie"), a great script (and a tighter story than "Boogie"), and the same fantastic direction. Everyone who loved "Boogie," and even those who didn't, should go back and rent this film. A very stylish, moody drama/mystery.