Today’s quick review: Croupier. Struggling to make ends meet, Jack Manfred (Clive Owen) shelves the novel he is writing and takes a job as a dealer at a casino, where his technical skill and professional demeanor make him an excellent employee. But the nightlife soon drives a wedge between Jack and his girlfriend Marion (Gina McKee), a problem compounded when he meets Jani (Alex Kingston), an alluring gambler who needs his help.
Croupier is a crime drama about a detached writer who takes a job at a casino. Observing the gamblers, getting to know his fellow dealers, and losing himself in the spin of the roulette wheel, Jack gradually morphs into a different person. Croupier is an introspective movie about gambling, the creative process, and one man’s transformation. Interesting ideas and capable acting are hurt by an aimless plot with a mediocre resolution.
What sets Croupier apart is the way it peeks inside Jack’s head. He is not a gambler, but he is every bit as addicted to the game as the customers he serves. The atmosphere of the casino encourages him to take risks with his job and his relationship, all while he observes the changes and uses them for his writing. Jack has a very particular set of values that make him interesting to watch, and Clive Owen’s performance grounds the character nicely.
Croupier has a few issues with its story that will diminish some viewers’ enjoyment. The plot meanders without a clear destination in mind, focusing on Jack’s mental state as he deals with a series of loosely related incidents. This results in stagnant stretches where there is little progression to be had, and the movie tends to break them up with arbitrary developments that create loose ends later on.
How much you get out of Croupier will depend on your taste in storytelling. Those interested in character-focused stories with literary stylings and the apparent randomness of real life will get the most out of the movie. Viewers who prefer tighter plotting and full character arcs may find that the story never quite clicks.
For a darker, more surreal drama about a writer forced to choose between his artistic ideals and a paycheck, check out Barton Fink. For another story about a frustrated writer who turns to other means to achieve success, try The Words. For a drama that explores the temptations of gambling from the other side of the table, check out The Gambler, Rounders, or The Hustler.
[7.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0159382/). I give it a 6.5 for sound character work with debatable story decisions.