The Card Counter
Cards & Counters
The Card Counter (2021)
Cards and Counters 14
The Card Counter (2021) – FilmAffinity
Brief Overview
The Card Counter is a 2021 movie that was written and directed by Paul Schrader. The plot follows William Tell (played by Oscar Isaac), an ex-military interrogator who becomes a professional gambler after being released from prison. Tell meets Cirk (played by Tye Sheridan), a young man seeking to find revenge on a military contractor, and offers to help Cirk get his revenge while telling his own story.
What
The Card Counter is a revenge thriller that also explores themes of guilt, redemption, and forgiveness. The movie features intense scenes of gambling and interrogations, as well as character-driven moments of introspection and reflection. The Card Counter is a slow-burning movie that rewards patient viewers with its intricate and thought-provoking narrative.
Why
The Card Counter is a movie that has received critical acclaim for its acting, cinematography, and direction. The movie features a powerhouse performance from Oscar Isaac, who commands the screen with his quiet intensity and magnetic presence. The Card Counter is also a movie that explores themes of trauma, guilt, and redemption, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film.
Cast
The Card Counter features a talented cast of actors who deliver nuanced and complex performances. Here are some of the main cast members and their roles:
- Oscar Isaac as William Tell
- Tye Sheridan as Cirk
- Tiffany Haddish as La Linda
- Willem Dafoe as Gordo
Synopsis
The Card Counter tells the story of William Tell, an ex-military interrogator who becomes a professional gambler after being released from prison. Tell meets Cirk, a young man seeking revenge on a military contractor who he believes is responsible for the death of his girlfriend. Tell offers to help Cirk get his revenge while telling him his own story of guilt and redemption. Along the way, Tell and Cirk encounter La Linda, a financier who helps professional gamblers and Gordo, a former colleague of Tell’s who holds a grudge against him. The movie culminates in a tense final showdown between the characters.
Plot
The Card Counter follows William Tell, an ex-military interrogator who has been released from prison after serving time for his involvement in the torture of detainees. Tell now spends his days gambling at casinos, using his skills to count cards and win money. One day, he meets Cirk, a young man seeking revenge on a military contractor who he believes is responsible for the death of his girlfriend. Tell offers to help Cirk get his revenge while also telling him his own story of guilt and redemption.
Tell reveals that he was a notorious interrogator who was responsible for the deaths of many detainees. He feels immense guilt for his actions and seeks to atone for his sins by helping Cirk. Along the way, they encounter La Linda, a financier who helps professional gamblers, and Gordo, a former colleague of Tell’s who holds a grudge against him.
The Card Counter features intense scenes of gambling and interrogations, as well as character-driven moments of introspection and reflection. The movie culminates in a tense final showdown between the characters as they confront their pasts and seek redemption.
Review
The Card Counter is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that explores themes of trauma, guilt, and redemption. The movie features a magnetic performance from Oscar Isaac, who delivers a nuanced and complex portrayal of William Tell. The Card Counter is a slow-burning movie that rewards patient viewers with its intricate and multi-layered narrative.
The Card Counter is not without its flaws, however. The movie can be slow-paced at times, and the plot may not appeal to everyone’s tastes. However, for those who enjoy character-driven dramas with complex themes and powerful performances, The Card Counter is a must-see movie.
Characters & Performance
The Card Counter features a talented cast of actors who deliver nuanced and complex performances. Oscar Isaac gives a magnetic and powerful performance as William Tell, a man haunted by his past and seeking redemption. Tye Sheridan is also excellent as Cirk, a young man seeking revenge and guidance from Tell. Tiffany Haddish delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance as La Linda, a financier who helps professional gamblers. Willem Dafoe is also great as Gordo, a former colleague of Tell’s who holds a grudge against him.
Effects
The Card Counter is not a movie that utilizes special effects extensively. However, the movie features realistic and intense scenes of gambling and interrogations that are expertly crafted and executed. The cinematography and sound design also help create a palpable sense of tension and atmosphere.
Soundtrack
The Card Counter features a haunting and atmospheric score by Robert Levon Been. The score effectively captures the mood and themes of the movie, adding to the tension and atmosphere. The movie also features a few well-placed songs, including “Only the Lonely” by Roy Orbison.
Cinematography
The Card Counter features stunning cinematography by Alexander Dynan. The movie has a gritty and realistic aesthetic that helps immerse the viewer in its world. The cinematography also effectively captures the tension and drama of the movie’s various scenes.
Directing
The Card Counter is written and directed by Paul Schrader, who is best known for his work on movies such as Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. Schrader brings his signature style and sensibility to The Card Counter, creating a movie that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Schrader also effectively balances the movie’s various elements, including intense scenes of gambling and interrogations and character-driven moments of introspection and reflection.
Popular Streaming Platforms
The Card Counter is available to stream on a variety of platforms, including:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Google Play
- iTunes
- Vudu
How to Rent or Buy
If you want to rent or buy The Card Counter, you can do so on a variety of platforms, including:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Google Play
- iTunes
- Vudu
Pricing and Available Formats
The pricing and available formats for The Card Counter may vary depending on the platform you use. Here are some general pricing guidelines:
- Rental: $3.99 to $6.99
- Purchase: $9.99 to $14.99
The movie is available in various formats, including SD, HD, and 4K Ultra HD.
Free Streaming Options
While there are no legal free streaming options for The Card Counter, you may be able to find the movie available on illegal torrenting and streaming sites. However, it is important to note that using these sites is illegal and puts your computer and personal information at risk.
Torrenting and Piracy Warning
Torrenting and piracy are illegal and can result in fines or even jail time. Additionally, using these methods puts your computer and personal information at risk of viruses and cyber attacks. It is important to only access content through legal and legitimate means.
VPNs for Geo-Restrictions
If you live in a country where The Card Counter is not available for streaming or purchasing, you may be able to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access the movie. A VPN allows you to mask your IP address and connect to a server in a different country, allowing you to access content that may be restricted in your area. However, it is important to note that using a VPN to access content that is not available in your area is illegal and can result in fines or legal action.
Recommendations
If you enjoyed The Card Counter, you may want to check out some other movies with similar themes and tones. Here are some recommendations:
- Taxi Driver (1976)
- Raging Bull (1980)
- First Reformed (2017)
- Slow West (2015)
Overall, The Card Counter is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that explores themes of trauma, guilt, and redemption. The movie features a magnetic performance from Oscar Isaac, as well as stunning cinematography and direction. While the movie may not be for everyone, those who enjoy character-driven dramas with complex themes and powerful performances will find much to appreciate in The Card Counter.
