An excellent picture
P.T. Anderson's debut feature film, Hard Eight, or Sydney, is an excellent picture from beginning to end credits. I saw Hard Eight after I had seen Boogie Nights and Magnolia (two of my all time favorite movies) and loved it. I think it highly ranks up with his following films. One thing that I really love about Paul Thomas Anderson, especially in this movie, is his focussing on people and emotions. Hard Eight follows the story of a young man down on his luck (John C. Reilly) and his unlikely meeting with a veteran gambler (Philip Baker Hall) and their friendships and confrontations in Reno, NV. I liked Hall and Reilly's performances, some of the best of both of their good careers. Look for Samuel L. Jackson and Gwyneth Paltrow's performances as well. This is a great movie that ranks high with Boogie and Magnolia. One of Anderson's best!. 
Terrific debut from P.T. Anderson, well written dialogue.
P.T. Anderson has proven himself to be a brilliant new talent, incredibly
skilled with the pen and behind the camera. Although a bit too much in love with himself (listen to his commentary on the DVD's), his first two movies have both showed amazing strengths. Hard Eight, a wonderful story about a man seeking redemption, at least within himself, is played by Phillip Baker Hall, one of those actors who never seems to give a bad performance. The supporting cast is equally as strong with John C. Reilly, Sam Jackson and Gwyneth Paltrow both doing a great job. Along with Boogie Nights, these two films provide as solid a start to a career as one could hope for. Anderson is wonderful with the camera and with the actors, giving us a story that keeps us interested throughout.. |
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