Really Surprised!

Memorable, crazy movie

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Seemingly ordinary zhlub bank executive Dan Mahowny (superbly played with remarkable restraint and precision by Philip Seymour Hoffman) uses his access to other people's bank accounts to finance his compulsive gambling habit. Mahowny puts himself in great jeopardy when he uses his illegally acquired cash to embark on all or nothing gambling sprees in Atlantic City.Director Richard Kwietniowski offers a fascinatingly vivid and sordid evocation of a glittery, yet shadowy neon netherworld governed by greed and populated by shady types who are out to make a fast buck by any means necessary. The central character of Dan Mahowny makes for a compelling tragic figure: With his frumpy suits, beat-up jalopy of a car, and forever calm external demeanor, Mahowny clearly only cares about gambling and the thrill of putting it all on the line. Moreover, there's something morbidly arresting (and wickedly funny) about watching this doomed fanatic dig his own grave and jump in it feet first. Maurice Chauvet's exceptionally well constructed script ensures that each and every scene adds up and keeps the narrative moving inexorably towards in unavoidable, but still poignant downbeat ending. While Hoffman clearly dominates the film with his marvelously understated portrayal, he nonetheless receives sterling support from Minnie Driver as Mahowny's loyal, but worried fiancé Belinda, John Hurt as sleazy and amoral casino manager Victor Foss, who's sole concern is bilking Mahowny for every last dime he can get; Maury Chayin as fed-up and irascible bookie Frank Perlin, Ian Tracey as the dogged Detective Ben Lock, Sonja Smits as distraught client Dana Selkirk, and K.C. Collins as friendly bellboy Bernie. Kudos are also in order for the glossy cinematography by Oliver Curtis and the moody jazz score by The Insects and Richard Grassby-Lewis. Highly recommended.

Owning Mahowny (2003): Dir: Richard Kwietniowski / Cast: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Minnie Driver, Maury Chaykin, John Hurt, Chris Collins: Enlightening film about slavery. Title regards Dan Mahowny who has a gambling addiction but it also may refer to his girlfriend who is unable to get him to commit to a relationship. Based on a true story in the early 1980's of an assistant bank manager, a fine decision maker with a gambling addiction. He doesn't gamble for money but rather the thrill of conquering the bank and a casino. Often repetitious that resolves with justice yet hope. Directed with insight by Richard Kwietniowski with fine location shots. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is excellent as Mahowny bringing out the denial and hopelessness of a man who cannot stop. Minnie Driver is nearly done in by her wig and glasses but she counters the predictable elements of her role by just being supportive. Maury Chaykin is flat as a payoff. John Hurt is excellent as the casino owner in what what would regularly be just standard material but he aces in a big win after trying to figure out the methods of this individual. Chris Collins plays a casino employee having to deal with Mahowny's constant down spiral into the depths of despair. While not a great film, it does provide a grand stage for Hoffman's talent. It regards addictions that shouldn't own anyone let alone Mahowny. Score: 8 / 10

Based on a true story, a bank manager embezzles millions to satisfy his gambling habit. The film jumps right into the gambling scene without any exposition. Hoffman is certainly a fine actor but he's given little to work with here. He gives a rather monotonous performance defined by blank stares, revealing little about his character. Although the focus of the film is Mahoney's gambling addiction, we are given no insight whatsoever as to why he's so addicted. The attraction is not the money, as he would always keep gambling until he lost everything. Despite the goofy blonde wig, Driver turns in a sweet performance as a very understanding girlfriend.

I got the gist of this movie within the first 15 minutes and kept with it hoping it would go somewhere. I'm sure this is a very accurate portrayal of this gambler, but it revealed absolutely nothing about the man. Remorse he expresses later in the film is puzzling and I'm not sure he believes it. I sure don't know what his girlfriend sees in him. God knows it's at best a dreary experience hanging out with him. I don't know if it's the screenplay itself or the director or what. Intriguing performances from Murray Chaykin (always great) and John Hurt. There is an interesting thematic thread of the greed that orbits the central character. In the end however, the redeeming elements were only barely enough to keep me awake to end (if you could even call it that). I love some of Hoffman's work but he's made several of these studies of utter obsession that are punishingly boring. I found it striking that one reviewer called this a dry comedy. I'll have to look up "comedy" in the dictionary and see if perhaps it has an alternate meaning.