The Movie Waffler A Look Back at MOLLY’S GAME | The Movie Waffler

A Look Back at MOLLY’S GAME

A look Back at MOLLY’S GAME
Molly's Game is not a typical gambling movie.

This biographical crime drama, directed by Aaron Sorkin, follows the true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic skier who finds herself at the center of an underground poker empire. It tells the story of Molly's rise to power and eventual fall from grace, as she becomes embroiled in a world of gambling.

With its clever approach to poker filmmaking and standout performances, Molly's Game has been widely praised by audiences and critics alike. Below, we will look closely more at the film's strengths and weaknesses, as well as explore how Sorkin's directorial debut stacks up against his impressive writing career.

The Brief Intro

Year: 2017
IMDb: 7.4/10
Genre: Biographical crime drama
Director: Aaron Sorkin
Stars: Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Jeremy Strong
Running time: 141m

The world of high-stakes poker still maintains a certain attraction despite the ease of being able to enjoy table games online for free from the comfort of your own home. Ex-Olympic skier Molly Bloom learned this firsthand after moving to Los Angeles and getting a job as an assistant to a shady businessman who hosted a weekly poker game.

Molly met well-known Hollywood celebrities and wealthy businesspeople as she rose to the position of a gaming hostess. Yet as the adage goes, "with great power comes great responsibility," and Molly quickly found herself caught in a perilous web of greed and corruption. The FBI eventually arrested her as a result, claiming she had ties to the Russian mob.

With her future hanging in the balance, Molly turned to Charlie Jaffey, a highly acclaimed criminal defense attorney, to assist her in proving her innocence and contesting the charges against her.


Molly’s Game vs. Other Poker Films


As we have said earlier, the biographical crime drama is a refreshing take on the world of gambling filmmaking. The former offers a unique perspective that sets it apart from other gambling scenes. Here are a few contextual differences that are worth mentioning.


The Poker Scenes

Firstly, Molly's Game stands apart from other productions about poker due to its unique portrayal of the game. In comparison with other movies that glorify the high-stakes world of competitive poker, this one presents a more nuanced perspective. It highlights not just the excitement of poker, but also the darker aspects such as addiction, greed, and corruption.

Molly's Personal Story

Another notable difference is Sorkin's smart choice to highlight Molly Bloom's story as the game's organizer sets Molly's Game apart from other poker films. This approach allows the movie to convey the intensity of the game without solely depending on its mechanics.

Through Molly's eyes, we get a unique glimpse into the world of poker, where she has built an empire through the game's appeal and her connections with influential figures. This perspective adds layers of intricacy and depth to the film's plot, resulting in an enthralling and unforgettable story.


More Reasons to Watch


Molly's Game offers much more than just impressive performances, a talented cast, and a unique take on poker. Aaron Sorkin's debut as a director is yet another reason to watch this film, especially for those who admire his award-winning screenplays like The American President, Malice, and The Social Network, among others.

Additionally, the movie features striking visuals, sophisticated cinematography that captures both the luxurious and gritty elements of the poker world and the legal proceedings. Sorkin's signature fast-paced dialogue and clever narrative twists in the screenplay add to the film's excitement.

But beyond the technical aspects of the film, Molly's Game is a story of resilience and determination. Molly Bloom fights to clear her name and reclaim her life in the face of overwhelming adversity. It is a compelling and inspiring tale that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.


Post-Weinstein Era in Molly’s Game


Together with the movie's many positive aspects and compelling narrative elements, it is important to note Molly's journey's contextual difficulties. This refers to the way in which the post-Weinstein age views the portrayal of Molly Bloom's encounters with prominent men and their possibly exploitative conduct towards her in the movie.

Others would argue that the movie doesn't go far enough in advocating a revolution against this conduct, even though it doesn't support it. The moral ambiguity of Molly's activities and the conduct of some of the guys she interacts with may be critically examined in this situation.

On the other hand, it raised awareness and drew attention to gender inequality and sexual harassment in society.


Summarize

Molly's Game is a well-told story. Aaron Sorkin took a pretty innovative approach to making a poker movie. The tension during the game is transferred quite effectively. In addition, the film raises important questions about the dynamics of power and responsibility. If you're looking for other options, check out our reviews of all the latest 2023 releases.