Hard Eight (Special Edition) [DVD]

Starts in a Diner , Ends in a Diner , Modern film Noir , every Actor in this Piece is at the Top of there Performance Ability .Beware the Fury of a Patient Man John Dryden -

I saw this movie when first released almost 20 years ago, and was both surprised and favorably impressed. The second time around I was not let down in the least. Very few movies lead with a 65 year old character actor, which is an immediate attention getter. Philip Baker Hall plays Sydney, a world weary professional gambler who makes just a basic living. Divorced, alone and alienated from his children, Sydney takes on John C. Reilly as John, an unlikely partner and as someone with whom he has an affinity as the son he never had. Events unravel quickly, however, when Johngets involved with a casino employee and part time hooker Clementine, portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow, whom he eventually marries. Due to a series of events, Hall finds himself blackmailed by Jimmy, a hood played by Samuel Jackson and threatened with a painful exposure from his past.Certainly by professional gambler standards, Sydney is a courteous, just and upright man. He seeks to help and protect those close to him, and will do so even if he must resort to extreme measures. In other words, underestimate him at your peril. What I like most about this movie is how Anderson directed what might seemingly be a basic, pedestrian plot and raised it to a higher level. The actors make the most of this average material and turn in credible, effective performances. Watching it for a second time, I cannot help but believe that the movie turned out better than any of them expected. To their credit they made it happen, and from me they get four stars.

His stuff has gotten a lot better now but still enjoyed it.

What else can we say about Paul Thomas Anderson that hasn't been said? But besides the amazing writing and direction in this movie, the performances are incredible, the photography/camera work amazing, the editing is subtle but great. This movie hasn't all. I've seen it a couple of times already. Never gets me boring.

I bought this film only because Gwyneth Paltrow is in it, and I'm collecting her films. No one to whom I've mentioned it has ever heard of it. But this film is special. It probably has just enough commercial content to justify its making, but not enough to make it succeed at the box office. This is the kind of film serious filmmakers make when someone else is paying the bills. A quotation by Roger Ebert on the DVD case captures much of what I felt: "...we're watching for the sheer pleasure of the dialogue and the acting." But to that I must add the structure of the film itself. It is superb. At first, you wonder whether you're seeing an actor of less than monumental proportions (John C Reilly). Later, you realize you've been watching an excellent actor play a character who doesn't have half the intelligence you and I have, and I don't know you. Paltrow is Paltrow--perhaps the finest actress to play in films. The old man--Philip Baker Hall, certainly has you wondering most of the time, But all gets explained. Samuel Jackson is excellent, as are the few bit speaking parts. Everything about this film is excellent, every detail. How many more are there out there like this that I've missed?

Mostly very low key, like the muted xylophone that contributes to moody musical score. Not Academy Award fare but I've enjoyed watching it several times over the years. Fairly loose plot that meanders through an interesting and odd series of events involving some interesting and odd characters, brought together by a secret from the past, with occasional punctuations of action and a few poignantly sentimental moments. Life is like that sometimes. A great glimpse into a way of life that was already disappearing at the time of filming. I didn't realize until after watching this time that Philip Baker Hall, who played the lead character Sydney, passed away a few months ago after a long and very prolific career.

This is a sleeper for sure! Great story and acting. Some of the supporting acting is as good as the leading role players. The old guy coming back to make amends with a young man whose Father the old guy killed years ago is a nice plot foundation. Then Gwenyth Paltrow gets into the mix as a lost soul with no moral compass....enter Samuel Jackson as a half cocked casino employee/regular/gambler and his interaction with the base players sparks some violent action. The weaving of the term "Hard Eight" into the plot throughout the movie is well played.....this is a really embracing movie with great acting, a great plot and some dark humor throughout the movie. Don't miss this one.

Phillip Baker Hall's best work. Great script that builds subtly and allows the characters to develop. Some moments of real poignancy blended with humor and suspense. A real film buff's movie.

This almost unknown film is a complete gem. The cast is nothing short of excellent, especially Philip Baker Hall in the lead role, as the wise and weary gambler. I won't add any plot spoilers, as I don't like them in reviews. However, if you are a fan of the genre, if you liked 'The Grifters', and similar films, you will not be disappointed. I saw this film on TV and liked it so much I bought two copies, one to send to a friend who agreed with me about this under the radar classic. Don't expect action and gun fights, this is a thoughtful film, with a superb script, and standout performances from a fantastic cast.

I don't know what it is, but it was a very comfortable film to watch. Very simple but very good. Films don't need to be complicated or exciting to watch. They just need to be made by someone who knows what their doing, and P T Anderson definitely does.

Great story and amazing turn from Phillip Baker Hall make this worthy of watching over and over.

an interesting movie about american gambling as a away of life. the dvd came through quickly in very good condition.

This absolute favourite director Paul Thomas Anderson's first. And you can actually trace the greatness to come. Great acting.Read Roger Eberts review of it. Another guy who knew his trade:[...]