Hard Eight (1996)

Professional gambler Sydney teaches John the tricks of the trade. John does well until he falls for cocktail waitress Clementine.

Director:

Paul Thomas Anderson

Writer:

Paul Thomas Anderson

Stars:

Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow

2 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Philip Baker Hall	...	Sydney
John C. Reilly	...	John
Gwyneth Paltrow	...	Clementine
Samuel L. Jackson	...	Jimmy
F. William Parker	...	Hostage
Philip Seymour Hoffman	...	Young Craps Player (as Phillip Seymour Hoffman)
Nathanael Cooper	...	Restroom Attendant
Wynn White	...	Waitress
Robert Ridgely	...	Keno Bar Manager
Kathleen Campbell	...	Keno Girl
Michael J. Rowe	...	Pit Boss
Peter D'Allesandro	...	Bartender
Steve Blane	...	Stickman
Xaleese	...	Cocktail Waitress
Melora Walters	...	Jimmy's Girl

Storyline

John has lost all his money. He sits outside a diner in the desert when Sydney happens along, buys him coffee, then takes him to Reno and shows him how to get a free room without losing much money. Under Sydney's fatherly tutelage, John becomes a successful small-time professional gambler, and all is well, until he falls for Clementine, a cocktail waitress and sometimes hooker.

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Plot Keywords:

waitress | money | gambler | hooker | professional gambler | 

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Taglines:

When good luck is a long shot, you have to hedge your bets.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language, some violence and sexuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 February 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hard Eight

Filming Locations:

Sparks, Nevada, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$69,486, 2 March 1997, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$222,559

Company Credits

Production Co:

Green Parrot, Rysher Entertainment, Trinity

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Philip Baker Hall plays a man named Sydney from Las Vegas who has underworld connections. In Midnight Run (1988), Philip Baker Hall had a small role as a man named Sidney who lives in Las Vegas and is connected to the underworld.

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Goofs

When Sydney first walks to John sitting outside the restaurant, the camera tracks behind him. At the end of the shot, the camera's plastic cover (it was a damp day) is visible on the left in the door glass.

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Quotes

Young Craps Player: The way you look, I think you know what I'm sayin', old-timer, I think you do. Jesus Christ, why don't you have some fun? Fun! Fun! Hahahahaha.

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: G.I. Jane/Event Horizon/Cop Land/Pooh's Grand Adventure (1997)

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Soundtracks

Christmas Medley
(The First Noel / O Little Town of Bethlehem / Silent Night)
Written by traditional / Phillips Brooks and Lewis H. Redner / Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr
Performed by Frankie Avalon
Courtesy of Chancellor Records, Inc.
By Arrangement with Celebrity Licensing Inc.

User Reviews

An incredible film from the maker of "Boogie Nights"

Most people didn't catch this movie when it was released (in the cinema or on video), but did discover Paul Thomas Anderson's work with the phenomenal "Boogie Nights." Make no mistake: this film is every bit as good, perhaps better, than "Boogie." It's a small film whereas "Boogie" is a huge film, but it's packed with outstanding performances (many from actors and actresses who would go on to appear in "Boogie"), a great script (and a tighter story than "Boogie"), and the same fantastic direction. Everyone who loved "Boogie," and even those who didn't, should go back and rent this film. A very stylish, moody drama/mystery.