The Card Counter

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 10, 2021

Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Oscar Isaac as William Tell
• Tiffany Haddish as La Linda
• Tye Sheridan as Cirk Baufort
• Willem Dafoe as Major John Gordo

Director
Paul Schrader

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• First Reformed (2017)
• American Gigolo (1980)
• Light Sleeper (1992)

Producer
Martin Scorsese, Braxton Pope, Lauren Mann

Writer
Paul Schrader

Budget
$30 million

Production Company
Focus Features, Pressman Film, HanWay Films

Running Time
111 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Violence
• Mature themes, including trauma and psychological distress

Movie Story
“The Card Counter” is a tense, character-driven drama that follows William Tell (Oscar Isaac), a former military interrogator turned professional gambler. William’s life is defined by routine and self-imposed isolation, as he moves from one casino to another, counting cards and winning just enough to stay under the radar. His austere lifestyle is a form of penance, a way to cope with the deep guilt and trauma stemming from his past involvement in war crimes during his time at Abu Ghraib prison.

The story takes a turn when William encounters Cirk Baufort (Tye Sheridan), a young man with a vendetta against Major John Gordo (Willem Dafoe), a former military contractor who was also involved in the atrocities at Abu Ghraib. Cirk’s father, who served under Gordo, committed suicide due to the psychological toll of their actions. Cirk wants revenge, but William, seeing something of himself in the young man, decides to take him under his wing instead, hoping to steer him away from violence and offer a chance at redemption.

With the help of La Linda (Tiffany Haddish), a gambling financier who believes in William’s potential, they embark on a tour of high-stakes poker games. As William tries to mentor Cirk and navigate the world of professional gambling, he is constantly haunted by his past. The film builds toward an inevitable confrontation with Gordo, forcing William to confront the demons that he has long suppressed.

“The Card Counter” is a somber exploration of guilt, redemption, and the lingering effects of trauma. Paul Schrader’s direction focuses on the inner turmoil of its protagonist, with Oscar Isaac delivering a powerful performance as a man seeking to atone for his sins while grappling with the darkness within.

Special Effects
The special effects in “The Card Counter” are understated, with the film relying more on its strong cinematography and atmosphere to convey the emotional and psychological depth of the story. The casino scenes are shot with a mix of cool, detached precision, reflecting William’s methodical approach to gambling, while flashbacks to his time in Abu Ghraib are depicted with stark, disturbing imagery that contrasts sharply with the rest of the film. The visual effects are used sparingly but effectively, particularly in the sequences that depict William’s haunted memories and the psychological impact of his past actions.

Box Office Performance
“The Card Counter” received a limited theatrical release and was well-received by critics, though its box office performance was modest, grossing around $4.2 million worldwide. The film found a larger audience through streaming platforms, where it garnered attention for its intense character study and Oscar Isaac’s performance. The film’s serious themes and slow-burn pacing appealed to fans of psychological dramas and those familiar with Paul Schrader’s previous work.

Filming Locations

• Biloxi, Mississippi, USA
• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes

• “The weight we carry is ours alone to bear.” – William Tell
• “There’s a weight a man can accrue, the weight created by his past actions.” – William Tell

Behind-the-Scenes
Paul Schrader, known for his explorations of flawed, troubled characters, brought his distinctive style to “The Card Counter.” The film was produced by Martin Scorsese, a frequent collaborator with Schrader, adding another layer of prestige to the project. Oscar Isaac prepared extensively for the role, delving into the psychological complexities of his character, and learning the nuances of professional poker. The film’s portrayal of guilt and redemption is deeply rooted in Schrader’s themes of existential angst and moral reckoning, echoing his previous work in films like “Taxi Driver” (which he wrote) and “First Reformed.”

Awards

• Nominated for Gotham Independent Film Award: Best Actor (Oscar Isaac)

Final Verdict
“The Card Counter” is a brooding, introspective film that offers a compelling exploration of guilt, redemption, and the human psyche. Paul Schrader’s direction, combined with a standout performance by Oscar Isaac, makes it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film. While the film’s slow pacing and dark themes may not appeal to everyone, those who appreciate character-driven dramas with psychological depth will find “The Card Counter” to be a rewarding experience.

IMDb Rating
6.2/10