Movies often depict environmental settings that we have all found ourselves in: In grocery stores, supermarkets, gyms, and in the world of nightlife. Less common, but a classic setting for many vintage and modern-day movies is in the casino.
The casino: a symbol of culture
Casinos in films have long been depicted as a place of culture through their different games and the classes that pass through given many casino scenes feature high-profile guests, businessmen, and people of notoriety engaging in many card games. Within these games in film, those at the table are established as rich, creating a feel of glamour in which card games are played.
True to real life, casinos in the 20th century were often the centers of lavish parties, benefits, and hosts to celebrities. It was said that celebs like Frank Sinatra and Matt Damon liked to get involved in the games that the casino had to cover, which also can add an aspirational layer to the film sets of casinos. However, there is also a Hollywood trope of the underdog, also depicted in casino films like Rounders (1998) and The Cinncinati Kid (1965).
In particular, casino-themed films tend to focus on one card game the most: poker. But why?
Focus on poker in films
First of all, poker has dramatic potential on-screen and is often used in action movies. Given it is played at the table, it is easy for cameras to do wide shots of all the players, and focus on facial expressions as poker involves bluffing and studying your opponents’ faces to anticipate their tells. If we are to relate it to a film, Rounders is a prime example of high-stakes poker, where underdogs Matt Damon and Edward Norton must win against hardened poker players to pay back some money, which for audiences, can be nervewracking and exciting to watch.
Secondly, poker is an aesthetic game. Close-up shots are often used in poker films to display a player’s cards or chips and to show the audience their faces and create beautiful cinematography. Ocean’s Eleven (2001) primarily leans into this element during its poker scenes with its star-studded cast, particularly when Rusty (Brad Pitt) teaches some famous actors of the day how to play poker. Ironically, the room in which they play isn’t movie-star-worthy at all, it’s dingy and dark, making the scene very ironic.
Overall, these different elements of the game make it appealing for directors and audiences to watch on-screen flicks for entertainment and aesthetics. While some find entertainment from watching poker movies, others prefer to play it themselves. Drama and aesthetics also go hand-in-hand with the appeal of playing poker online. Online poker rooms create environments and provide a similar immersion with poker table backdrops and visuals. Similarly to the movies, players often don’t know their opponents and can take part in tournaments which can add higher stakes to their game as they continue to build their player profile online and build their ranking. Some people turn their movie nights into poker and movie nights.
Let’s explore 4 poker movies you may watch at your next movie night!
1. Ocean’s Eleven
Ocean’s Eleven has been highly regarded as both a poker and heist action movie. The cast features several veteran movie stars like Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and George Clooney. Otherwise, it’s pretty realistic in its portrayal of poker too. As we mentioned, Rusty teaching Hollywood actors, including Dawson’s Creek star Joshua Jackson, to play poker is hilarious and creates an interesting introduction to George Clooney’s character, Danny Ocean.
In terms of settings, some of the USA’s most flashy casinos are the sets for poker games in Ocean’s Eleven, one of which is also the victim of Danny’s heists!
2. James Bond: Casino Royale
Critically acclaimed and considered to be one of the best James Bond movies, despite being less than 20 years old, Casino Royale knows poker without poker being the movie’s prime focus. The historic poker scene in which Daniel Radcliff’s Bond plays against French banker Le Chiffre, played by Mads Mikkelsen, features many tense bluffs and calls and ends in, (well, we won’t spoil, but obviously), Bond winning.
The camerawork focuses on the men’s faces and the cards as the dealer relays the hands, complete with spectators as background noise, adding to the intensity of the two-person game.
3. Maverick (1994)
The word ‘Maverick’ seems to be popular among poker players. (Hello, Vanessa Rousso), but really, Maverick is a tale of ambition as Bret Maverick (Mel Gibson) tries to win a high-stakes poker game to help him win enough to enter a large tournament. We love this pick because Maverick isn’t a typical underdog. He’s wickedly smart and witty.
On top of Gibson’s great performance, his presence in the riverboat poker scene makes for an intense game. His stone-cold face as he closes his eyes and reaches for a card and tosses it in slow-motion makes for intense viewing. Also, the combination of Old Western America and poker is a unique duo that creates an authentic period piece.
And who could forget the cameos from famous Western movie actors like James Coburn and Dub Taylor? A pretty amazing ensemble cast and movie, honestly.
4. California Split
California Split (1974) is like the long-lost cousin of Rounders. It literally has the same premise: two best friends becoming immersed in the world of high-stakes gambling, just with a darker edge!
Where it differs is its grittier themes alongside the portrayal of friendship and gambling. It features memorable poker scenes capturing the poker boom of the 1970s. Primarily, California Split and its appeal in cinema as a piece of entertainment is routed on its comedic take on poker games.
The poker scenes are anything but fancy, showing Bill (George Segal) and Charlie (Elliott Gould) engaging in games with raw dialogue, arguing, and rowdiness, perhaps a much more refreshing take than its more serious thriller poker film counterparts.
