Hard Eight (1996) Review

Title: Hard Eight
Year: 1996
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Country: US
Language: English 

Manitoban Film Professor/Film Writer George Toles wrote a book about Paul Thomas Anderson, called Paul Thomas Anderson, that serves as a remarkable companion piece to Andersons' features like There Will Be Blood (2007) and Boogie Nights (1997). I had seen every film in the book before reading it, except for Hard Eight (1996). That proved a harder picture to find online & in store. Thankfully I was able to watch it recently on The Criterion Channel. 

Professional gambler Sydney (Phillip Baker Hall) teaches John (John C. Reilly) the tricks of the trade. John does well until he falls for cocktail waitress Clementine (Gwenyth Paltrow)

Hard Eight is phenomenal considering it's Paul Thomas Andersons' first feature length film. Few Directors get as impressive a start to their careers. Anderson shows great confidence in his directing; framing each shot to perfection & proving he is among the best at tracking shots. His Steadicam shots are fluid and alert, giving each frame great importance as it continues to serve the overall story. 

A slow paced film noir that is both quiet and observant, Hard Eight has a script that will always leave you guessing. The dialogue is crisp, engaging & raw. The twists and turns are unexpected; always packing a punch. The acting, especially by Samuel L. Jackson. is remarkable. The fate of Jacksons' character will especially stick out in your mind. The music is subtle, but certainly adds to some very tense moments scattered throughout the picture. 

Drawing inspiration from Jean-Pierre Melville, Hard Eight is a fine neo noir that is a better casino film than Scorsese's Casino (1995) & a better gangster picture than Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994). It is very unfortunate that Hard Eight is less known & less accessible than either of those films. I was quite impressed & I look forward to re-watching it in the future.