[psycho d]

Hard Eight (1996). This smooth character study by Paul Thomas Anderson's debut flick expertly reveals the depth of his skills. First and foremost are the wonderfully protracted tracking scenes, complicated and mesmerizing. The story itself, a new-fangled take on Melville's Bob the Gambler, is pleasantly simple, allowing the characters to earn the care given the viewer. The dialog is sharp and believable, and while the character interactions reveal the paternal Sydney to be a step above his "adopted" children, there is still an element that something does not add up. Worry not, for such addition is all part of the director's plan, and the film's denouement gives it a much needed paroxysm of tension and elucidation, all with a final scene that is so simple that its symbolic depth can almost be tasted. Merci beaucoup.
Genruk