During the period 1980 to 1982 in Toronto, Canada an assistant bank manager named Dan Mahowny embezzled more than $10 million dollars to sustain his gambling addiction.  This film is based on the related true events. 

            The plot, excluding details, is a given.   However, the details of the story, Mahowny's methodology, his financial expertise and the depiction of his truly addictive personality are fascinating and they make this a docu-drama worth watching.  And it's also amazing to watch Philip Seymour Hoffman portray the Mahowny character, since 99% of the camera time is on Mahowny and Hoffman becomes this character in every aspect of his life.

            The didactic value of the story applies to anyone who has ever gambled more than a dollar in a casino.  It's demonstrated in some of the action behind the scenes, the surreptitious manipulation by casino management using a cast of seemingly innocuous characters to steer the victim toward his inevitable loss.  Curling, the ice sport in which a stone is 'influenced' by manipulating the ice ahead of its travel, is a perfect metaphor for theses action by gaming casinos. 

            Hoffman who plays the lead role, is beginning a career that reminds me somewhat of Gene Hackman, since he seems to be everywhere, playing all kinds of parts and doing them all well.  Yet Hoffman is in his late 30s with potential to spare.  He's been seen primarily in support roles and he's so good, that he's taken for granted.  Minnie Driver plays Belinda, his love interest and John Hurt plays Victor Foss, the Atlantic City casino manager.  Maury Chaykin does very well in a support role as Frank Perlin, a bookie.

            Reviewed April 17, 2005