Stars: Clive Owen, Kate Hardie, Alex Kingston, Nicholas Ball, Gina McKee, Kate Fenwick, Nick Reding, Simon Fisher-Turner

Director: Mike Hodges

Summary: Aspiring writer, Jack Manfred, finds himself in the middle of a plan to rob a casino when he takes a job as a croupier.

CROUPIER tells the complex story of an aspiring writer who must take a job in order to pay the bills. Experienced as a professional croupier, Jack Manfred (Clive Owen) is hired by an upscale casino in London, where he intends to silently observe the goings on while continuing to work on his latest novel. Tensions begin to emerge between Jack and his girlfriend, Marion (Gina McKee), when he finds himself succumbing to the temptations that the gambling world presents; most notably, the gorgeous Jani (Alex Kingston), whose mysterious intentions eventually make themselves clear. As the story unfolds, Jack begins to realize that he's becoming the immoral hero of his novel, and is, in fact, giving in to these temptations to provide him with subject matter that will make for a memorable work of fiction.
Director Mike Hodges and screenwriter Paul Mayersberg have crafted a taut thriller that keeps the twists unfolding until the film's very last shot. As a tribute to Mayersberg's script, Hodges insisted that he share the film's author credit with the scribe. This unprecedented decision, combined with Owen's seductive, highly irresistible performance, results in a motion picture that is an intelligent throwback to the crime films of yesteryear.

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A classic slow burner of a film, Croupierhas risen from a lowly status on release to recognition as one of the best British movies of the 1990s. Certainly, there are few better examples of how to combine a genuinely original premise with an eye for the mainstream market. The film's success stems from three key factors: strong story, star and director. Clive Owen is incredible as Jack Manfred, an aspiring but unsuccessful writer who, having taken a job in a casino, becomes embroiled in a seedy underworld. Director Mike Hodges brings all his experience to bear on the project and there can probably few more qualified to explore London's darker side than the man behind the original Get Carter. The supporting cast too is excellent and although Alex Kingston (in her pre-ERdays) will grab most attention, it is the perennially superb Gina McKee who shines as Manfred's exasperated girlfriend Marion.

On the DVD:Croupierincludes an audio commentary by Mike Hodges, which is a must for all students of cinema and practically amounts to a masterclass in filmmaking. His belief in the movie is obvious, as is his admiration for his cast, particularly Owen. He also provides a step-by-step breakdown on the cinematic process and gives a fascinating insight into the thinking behind his direction. The film looks fantastic on the enhanced format; a breathtaking mix of sumptuous colour and menacing darkness. --Phil Udell

Aspect Ratio:	16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Trailer, Directors Commentary, Audio Description
Subtitles:	English
Year:	1998
Release Date:	April 14, 2003
Runtime:	90 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	C C D 9523
Label:	Film Four Distributors
Keywords:	English, Crime, Drama, Croupier
Genre:	Drama