IN CINEMAS | Chastain, Elba, O'Dowd star in 'Molly's Game'
'Molly’s Game' tells the real life story of Molly Bloom who becomes the target of an FBI investigation of the underground poker empire she runs for Hollywood celebrities, athletes, business tycoons, and the Russian mob. Based on the memoir 'Molly’s Game: From Hollywood’s Elite to Wall Street’s Billionaire Boys Club, My High-Stakes Adventure in the World of Underground Poker' by the titular character, this film is one worth watching.
'Molly's Game' is the directorial debut of one of the best writers in the business - Aaron Sorkin. Though unfamiliar to some, his previous work includes television shows 'The West Wing', 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip', and 'The Newsroom', and films 'A Few Good Men', 'Charlie Wilson’s War', 'Moneyball', 'Steve Jobs', and the Oscar-winning script for 'The Social Network'.
Sorkin's work features a definitive trademark style of writing known as “Sorkin-esque” (or the “walk and talk” as referred to by frequent collaborator Thomas Schlamme). Sorkin-esque character’s have rapid-fire and extended monologues that often deviate from the original topic of conversation in a round about way before returning to the original point, forcing the audience to realise that what was spoken in the middle was in fact relevant to the conversation. These sequences usually consist of single tracking shots that extend for a length of time as the characters move through set. Other characters may enter and exit the conversation as it progresses and the shot continues on without any interruptions. In a word: genius.
Sorkin's trademarks are more dramatic than ever in this adaption as he directs Idris Elba and Jessica Chastain in a wild ride of a movie that exists in a less than linear timeline. The catch? His directorial chops are red raw in this film, and his lack of experience shows. Even with his wealth of experience behind the camera as a writer and producer, and having worked with some of the best director’s in the industry, Sorkin still has much to learn. The film is clinically sharp and almost surgical in its delivery, though it tends to rely a little too heavily on the narration at times.
This isn't to say that 'Molly’s Game' is a bad film by any means. As expected, Sorkin’s script shines, and the poker (regardless of your knowledge of the game) is exciting to watch. There are few actresses who could lead a film like this and thankfully, Chastain was cast to play the title character, effortlessly capturing Molly’s chameleon-like personality. Chastain as Bloom dominates every room she steps in, capturing the attention of the powerful men within. This is a leading female character we need to see more of in Hollywood films, especially in the light of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements.
Opposite Chastain is British actor Elba, who deserves more recognition than he currently receives. The acting partners are complementary to each other, and give the audience an enjoyable experience when butting heads. Their rapid-fire banter will leave you breathless and wishing they’d had more screen time together. And let’s not forget Chris O’Dowd leaving his Irish dialect behind and donning the American accent to a tee.
It’s not quite the royal flush, but 'Molly’s Game' provides a powerfully dealt full house.
'Molly’s Game' is released in cinemas now.
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