Introduction
Tricheurs ( which also means Cheaters in French ) is a 1984 French crime drama film about a gambling addict Elric who lives in the fast lane and goes through extreme highs and lows. Namely, the thrill of winning and the despair suffered when losing. The film is set on the island of Madeira. It was directed by Barbet Shroeder and starred Jacques Dutronic as Elric and Bulle Ogier as Suzie.
The Main Story
Elric is a compulsive gambler who was raised in a household of servants to a family in the Castle on the hill. At an early age, Elric decides he wants to buy the Castle as he imagines owning that luxurious and prestigious property will bring him all the happiness his heart desires.
Gambling is paramount in his life. When he wins, he is often given gifts by the casino. Yet, his winnings seem trivial as Elric never seems to enjoy them. He even feels unsettled when the casino does not take his occasional winnings. He has a gambling partner Suzie, and both of them walk on the razor’s edge of hurting and helping one another. This is all before Elric gets caught up in the world of a cheater named Jorg.
His relationship with Jorg changes everything there is more travel involved as they cheat their way into wealth which Eric always gambles away. It sees the obsession of winning take control of his life which leads him to cheat; however, as time passes, he realizes that winning is not as satisfying as he imagined. The strange part is he only feels alive when he loses.
The Ending
This film is the allure of the unknown, and the ends see Suzie come to the realization she must get Elric out of Jorgs trap for his own sanity and safety.
The Cincinnati Kid is a 1965 American film directed by Norman Jewison and starring Steve Mcqueen and Edward G Robinson. It tells the story about Eric “The Kid” Stoner ( Steve McQueen ), a downbeat poker player. He struggles to make his name in the Poker world, and this quest leads him to challenge Lancey “The Man” Howard ( Edward G Robinson ), who is considered the best poker player at that time.
Main Story
The Kid is an up and coming poker player in New Orleans in the early 1930s, but he wants to be at the top of his game and be considered the best poker player globally.
He hears that a world-class Poker player has arrived in town and sees it as a chance to finally become “The Man” by challenging him to a game. He is cautioned by Shooter, a friend of his who reminded him that he previously thought he was the best five-card stud player until he lost.
Howard organises a game with wealthy William Jefferson Slade, who secures Shooter’s services as the dealer. Howard wins $6,000 from Slade in a game that lasts 30 hours. This made Slade angry, and he tries to bribe Shooter into cheating in the Kid’s favour when the Kid plays Howard. Shooter declines, as he is an honest man, but Slade calls in Shooter’s $12,000 worth of markers and blackmails him by threatening to reveal damaging information about Shooter’s wife, Melba.
Howard and the Kid have their game, but the Kid tells Shooter not to cheat as he wants to win fair and square.
The Ending
Kid lands up losing the final game and walks away with a bruised ego.
Egos and being winners drive The Cincinnati Kid’s theme where players can win or lose as they take high-risk gambles with no guarantees. Of course movies are all about how far things can be taken, whereas the average real world experience of poker, roulette, slots or any other casino games are more about fun and moderation.
In the modern world the likes of Online Casino Bluebook bring a realistic and trusted casino experience to the fore and all in the convenience of your home, which can’t be bad. Movies are all about the extremes of a ‘thrill’, whereas with your own play, you can easily set limits and craft your own experience rather than worrying about anyone elses.
Specific to the theme of the movie, again online there is certainly no shortage of poker experiences, tournaments and the like. Some are for big money, some small, but all are enjoyable and appealing to players all over the world. Nowadays you can create your own Cincinnati Kid experience from the comfort of your own sofa!
The Colour of Money is an American Sports film directed by Martin Scorsese. The film stars Tom Cruise and Paul Newman, with Helen Shaver, John Turturro and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, in supporting roles.
The film is predominantly about a high stakes game of nine-ball pool and a pool hustler.
The Main Story
A former pool hustler “Fast Eddie” (Paul Newman) decides he wants to return to the game but this time with a pupil. He meets talented Vincent (Tom Cruise) and sees that he and his girlfriend Carmen ( Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio ) could become hustlers with a bit of guidance.
They form a partnership, and Eddie teaches Vincent how to hustle, and scam whilst Carmen lures players to the pool table. The 3 of them go on a tour through the country to hustle at the various pool halls.
However, Vincent’s tendency to brag and therefore warning potential players off and losing money, soon leads to a confrontation with Eddie.
Eddie has become frustrated with Vincent’s showboat antics, and the partnership is dissolved.
However, they get back together when Vincent agrees to rein in his bragging and arrogance.
Eddie is inspired to play again after watching numerous pool games, so he gets himself a pair of corrective sunglasses and has some modest wins.
The Ending
However, one day he gets taken by another pool shark and is left feeling humiliated. Eddie leaves town but leaves Vincent and Carmen with enough money to make it to Atlantic City.
The Colour of Money highlights hustling opponents and how their lives become consumed by mistrust and unhappiness, all for that adrenalin rush of winning.
The movie also has an ambiguity surrounding the female characters viewed as objects of comfort and fear and beings that these two men desire and loathe themselves for wanting.
