Croupier (1999) Review

Croupier is an intelligent crime  drama with cynical wit from Get Carter director Mike Hodges.  Anyone who enjoys a slick crime movie or believes Britain doesn't have great films then I seriously recommend you find time to watch this. 

Croupier tells the story of an aspiring writer, Jack (Clive Owen) who is in need of money and takes the opportunity when it arises to be a croupier at a big time London casino. Jack soon believes this job is a major focal point for his novel as he starts to mingle into the surface of characters in London's underbelly.
​What adds a rather large part of the enjoyment is Jack's narration, he has a witty cynical view of most things and adds humour where it wasn't expected to be found. Owen plays the character in such a charming way, you can't help love him when he's being brash. Most of the other characters are all very real in a sense that upon watching you will probably think to yourself "I know someone like that." and that is an uncommon thought when watching most films. The acting is one of this films strong points, it's grounded and the characters created are all rather complex with enough history drenched on them.
The atmosphere is dreary and reflects the mood of Jack and not of the plot which really brings you on side with him as we see the world as he does therefore his internal monologue we hear becomes relatable to us. The sets have an organic feel, generating this sense of realism, so much so the characters blend into them before they become relevant to the scenes.
Hodges keeps everything very close in scenes, almost claustrophobic. This is to show how Jack is observing the details as he experiences the dreary world in which he lives. The closeness also lets us see what does and doesn't affect Jack on this journey of self belief and moral ambiguity.
Jack is the main character and this is his story in two ways. Firstly, Jack wants to write a book and gets a job that inspires him to do so. Secondly, his inner monologue changes, from referring to himself as Jack but to Jake, Jack's character in his book. Now this leaves choices for the viewer to make of how to interpret the film with this added level of engagement. 
Croupier is a slick, stylish crime noir that for some unknown reason is heavily underrated. It's enthralling and engaging with one watch not been enough.

Mr. Cynic rates this a 9/10

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