Is Edward Berger’s new film, Ballad of a Small Player, a clever twist on the gambler’s tale? Maybe, but it feels loud without much substance. Berger, known for his work on All Quiet On The Western Front, dives deep into Macau’s neon-lit underworld. However, this story of a down-and-out gambler named Lord Doyle, played by Colin Farrell, often falls flat.
Doyle is broke and living in a luxury hotel, trying to repay debts to anyone willing to lend him a dollar. His charm has worn thin, and a private investigator, played by Tilda Swinton, is on his case for stealing from an elderly woman. The stakes couldn’t be lower for a man whose life revolves around gambling.
His flashy suits and messy hotel room speak volumes about his lifestyle. Doyle doesn’t just eat; he indulges as if each meal could somehow remedy his financial woes. Just when it seems like he’s hit rock bottom, a casino hostess named Dao Ming (Fala Chen) offers him a glimmer of hope.
The screenplay by Rowan Joffe, based on Lawrence Osborne’s novel, takes us on a chaotic adventure. Set during the Festival of the Hungry Ghost, Doyle’s journey blurs the line between reality and fantasy. It’s a stylistic feast, but the deeper message gets lost amid the visual spectacle.
The score by Volker Bertelmann is intense, echoing every sound from Doyle’s footsteps to the crackling of his cigar. Cinematographer James Friend transforms Macau into a dazzling yet overwhelming backdrop, making the film visually striking.
But with all its noise and chaos, Ballad of a Small Player struggles to focus on its narrative. Doyle’s journey feels too tidy, lacking the complexity you’d expect from a seasoned gambler. Instead of embracing his flaws, the film opts for a neat resolution that doesn’t fit his character.
While this film likely won’t earn Berger another Academy Award nomination, it does affirm his talent for crafting visually rich narratives. However, when it comes to engaging storytelling, this gamble may not pay off.
In the realm of gambling tales, audiences may find more depth in classics like Casino or Rounders. As the risk and reward of Doyle’s journey unfold, it’s clear that this story might not be as captivating as it aims to be.
More insights from experts indicate that gambling stories resonate not just for their thrill but for the psychological aspects of addiction and risk. Research shows that about 2% of the population may struggle with gambling addiction, revealing a serious real-world issue often overlooked in entertainment.
This film premiered on September 9th at the Toronto International Film Festival, but its impact may linger far less than earlier works from Berger.
