As the popular expression says, “revenge is a dish best served cold.” In Paul Schrader’s The Card Counter, a gambler uses his best poker face and strategy to exact his revenge on those who wronged him from his past.
It has a riveting performance from a great cast that includes Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan, and Willem Dafoe. Paul Schrader directed and wrote the movie.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Redemption is the long game in Paul Schrader’s The Card Counter. Told with Schrader’s trademark cinematic intensity, the revenge thriller tells the story of an ex-military interrogator turned gambler haunted by the ghosts of his past decisions.
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Of course, there’s more to that brief synopsis provided by the studio. From what we can gather, a young Cirk (Tye Sheridan) approaches a professional poker player William Tell (Oscar Isaac) to seek revenge on a mutual enemy from their past. However, Tell wants to play poker and gains a financial backer La Linda with sights set on winning the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. However, Cirk keeps bringing Tell back to his dark past.
No doubt Paul Schrader is masterful at creating characters with turbulent, conflicted, and violent personalities. His storytelling shines in films such as First Reformed, Affliction, Taxi Driver, and Raging Bull. Most definitely, Taxi Driver and Raging Bull are two of the best movies in cinematic history. Not to mention that Martin Scorsese, who has high cinematic standards, attached his name as executive producer on this project and a common collaborator with Schrader.
Focus Features releases The Card Counter in theaters on Friday, September 10.
Check out the trailer below for The Card Counter. Let us know what you think of it.
Source: Focus Features