The writer/director of this film would only be noticed by the public is
he went broke and knocked over a liquor store. The cast is the
“Blacksheep squadron” of the movie world. An A list of nobodies. The
most notable actress in this effort also appeared in obscure reality
television show, “Joe Schmo”.
If you were only given this information about the film, a logical
conclusion is that the movie should only be aired on “Mystery Science
Theater 3000” or late at night when nobody is awake, or sober. Oddly
enough though, this film works.
What most people do not know about writer/director, David James, is
that he is, in the truest sense of the word, a real rounder. He is a
coinsurer of the ring game, though he can be seen, year in and year
out, hanging around World Series of Poker events like a remora hangs
onto a shark. This love of the game combined with his history and
knowledge gives the movie a realism that is rare in poker films.
Unlike “Rounders” which follows a linear story line, “The Big Blind”
has more of a “Pulp Fiction” feel to it. There are multiple plots and
story lines which center around the Lake Elsinore casino. James
masterfully interlocks these vignettes to create a wonderful cinematic
tapestry about the happenings in and around the poker world.
The game itself contains a wide range of personalities and personas.
This fact is not lost in the film. Instead of zeroing in on one
stereotype, David James creates dozens of diverse personalities. Truly
art mimicking real life.
If your enjoyment of poker is not limited to the game itself, but the
atmosphere as well, you will enjoy “The Big Blind”. The gritty realism
that is represented in this film leaves you with the feeling that the
depicted events could be happening at your favorite casino at any time.
If you are looking for star power though, I suggest you go rent some
quality film like “Gigli”.
