Croupier – Review

Writer Jack Manfred (Owen) lives with his girlfriend Marion Nell (McKee), dreaming of a life of making it big as a published author and seeing people read HIS material on their subway commutes. His publisher Giles (Reding) wants something about football, maybe a story about a rise from a nothing team to a powerhouse, full of drugs, drama and fighting on and off the field. Manfred decides to try and write it, but can’t even find a name.

As Manfred’s funds dwindle, he sells his car to make a bit of rent. His working girlfriend keeps him afloat and likes his lifestyle, however that is all about to change. Jack’s estranged father, Jack Senior (Ball), gives him a ring, and tells him he has set up and interview for him with David Reynolds (Morton), local Golden Lion Casino boss.

Jack’s earlier life in South Africa gave him plenty of casino experience as he was a croupier (game dealer), and he takes a similar role in London, making plenty of money and working nights. This does put him at odds with his girlfriend, and introduces him to all sorts of new people in his life, such as sexy gambler Jani de Villers (Kingston).

As Jack’s casino position takes him deeper and deeper into that world, his writer side starts putting together a book, using tales of winning, losing, addiction, cheating, relationships, crime and more into the plot. While it is somewhat an observational drama and slice-of-life, the script is well-realized and involves many nuances and realistic happenings.

Croupier is a classy film about gambling addiction, cheating of all kinds and crime. It mirrors a novel in some ways, and includes an ongoing internal monologue from our writer Jack based on his thoughts and observations. With hints of drama and some interesting criminal twists, the short runtime keeps Croupier swiftly moving along.