Three Of The Most Iconic Gamblers From The Silver Screen
- Details
- Category: Commentary
- Published: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 01:09
- Written by Lupe R Haas
Much has been written about which are the best, and worst casino films out there. But what about the actors that make the films? In this article, we will take a look at three of the curious, compelling, and captivating characters from the silver screen.
Stu Ungar
Stu Ungar was a professional gambler and was widely regarded as the best gin and Texas Hold’Em player of all time. He is one of only two people in the world who have managed to win the World Series of Poker three times. Immortalized in the film “High Roller”, Ungar was played by Michael Imperioli. While the film wasn’t a widespread box office hit, it did win awards at the Nashville Film Festival, San Diego Film Festival, and the PRISM Awards. Famed for his arrogance, Imperioli nails the role, making gripping and realistic viewing from start to finish. While this is something of a cautionary tale, it is also a valuable insight into human nature and what drives professional gamblers.
Ben Campbell
The character of Ben Campbell has a promising future ahead of him but cannot afford the tuition fees. Instead, he applies for a scholarship that would cover the cost but competition is stiff. After impressing his professor, he ends up being roped into a blackjack team that uses card counting and covert signaling to increase their chances of winning.
Cue a tale of cheating, near misses, losses, wins, and everything in between. 21 is a gripping tale of the highs and lows of the gambling world and Jim Sturgess in the role of Ben is not to be missed.
What makes Ben a fascinating character is that he is relatable. You probably went to school with a kid like him - or perhaps you're as smart as he is yourself.
The only difference is when you are looking for the latest casino offers, it's fairly simple to browse through some of the top casino offers and promotions and give yourself a head start as you hit the tables. You don't have to stick to blackjack either. There are deals on slots and roulette available, too.
Sam “Ace” Rothstein
Ok so maybe Ace was not much of a gambler himself but he is still one of the most iconic gambling-related characters of all time. With Robert de Niro taking on the role, supported by Jose Pesci and Sharon Stone, this all ensemble cast worked on one of Scorcese’s finest pieces.
Ace is a Jewish-American gambling expert who lands a job overseeing the casino operations at the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. The story follows brushes with the mafia, the breakdown of his relationships and various other difficulties he encounters. Based on a real character, de Niro’s portrayal of Ace won him critical acclaim and he became an icon of casino movie culture.
From career-kickstarters to insights into the human psyche and even a lesson or two in the ins and outs of the game of blackjack, some fascinating real-life tales have fuelled the world of casino-based cinema for many years. We can't wait to see what's next.