You probably saw the trailer's this year for the Mark Whalberg starring crime film The Gambler, didn't you? That $25 million budget film was actually a remake of this, a modest 1974 drama, written by James Toback and directed by Karel Reisz. Toback was inspired to write the screenplay after his own experiences with gambling addictions (Dostoyevsky's short novel of the same name also provided inspiration). The film is powered by a superb performance from Hollywood nearly man James Caan, who was battling his own addiction (cocaine) at the time of filming. The original choice for the role was Robert De Niro, but he was replaced by Caan under instruction from Reisz. As much as I love me some seventies De Niro, I find it hard to imagine anyone else in this role. Such is the strength of his performance. I assumed that there would be some renewed interest in this little-seen gem with the release of the remake earlier this year. Regrettably, that didn't happen (the film has yet to be given a UK DVD release). It is, however, currently available on Netflix and you should really seek it out.
