No. 98 (2021) THE CARD COUNTER Dec. 9th.

 

Film No. 98 (2021) December 9th.  6:15 PM STATE CINEMA Cine 8,  Hobart,  Tasmania.                        

"There is a weight a man can accrue. The weight created by his past actions. It is a weight that can never be removed". (Tell's voice over in the early scenes setting the ground for our journey with him).

Oscar Isaac has the knack of choosing roles that reek of substance. A MOST VIOLENT YEAR and OPERATIONAL FINALE are great stories made more intriguing in no small way by Isaac's contribution. He's an actor who commands attention and THE CARD COUNTER takes the brooding damaged character that is William Tell to a level right in Isaac's wheel-house.

The film has Tell, in liquid voice-over,  introducing us to his predicament. It's more a lifestyle, based on his years in prison. While incarcerated he learned to count carts. Visiting small casinos, playing Black Jack from state to state, allows him to make a moderate living without drawing attention to himself. He's a loner. He has a series of odd rituals he abides by. They are important to his sense of security and anonymity.

We know it's a matter of time before we learn of his past. Spending time with Tell is easy. We are on his side but there is darkness from his past to be had. Sure enough it's triggered when he visits a corporate security conference highlighted by keynote speaker major John Gordo (Willem Dafoe). Tell watches, says nothing. A young man, Cirk (Ty Sheridan) approaches, issues card, asks Tell to call him. It's important, Tell is intrigued. The pressure cooker of this simple story focused on a couple of complicated characters begins to simmer.

SLING BLADE, one of my favourites, comes to mind as T.C.C. swings into its concluding scenes. Will has a bit of the Samaritan about him, but there is only so much he can control and be responsible for. The talented Tiffany Haddish as La Linda adds an important, less complicated dimension to Will's story. It's an unassuming and lovely partnership they form. The final shot is compelling.  10GUMS.