Mark Wahlberg Takes a Gamble With Remake of ‘The Gambler’

In theaters Dec. 19 is the remake of the 1974 film of the same name, “The Gambler.” Directed by Rupert Wyatt, the film first premiered at the AFI Fest on Nov. 10 to mixed reviews, albeit still an Oscars hopeful. “The Gambler” tells the story of college literature professor Jim Bennett, played by Mark Wahlberg, who leads another unlikely life as a high stakes gambler. Inevitably his luck runs out and he finds himself running from a loan shark and a crew of gangsters, all while having an affair with one of his students.

Since Aug. 2011, there have been talks about a remake for the 1974 film that gave lead actor James Caan a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. It was only in Sept. 2013 that both Wyatt and Wahlberg expressed vivid interest and set the progress in motion. Joining Wahlberg is a strong cast that consists of Brie Larson, John Goodman, Jessica Lange and Michael K. Williams. The musical score was provided by Jon Brion and Theo Green.

When asked about how films like “The Gambler” tended to do in the industry today, Wyatt stated, “In this day and age, with the ever-expanding tentpole season, there are many great, character-driven mainstream films being made and they are being made less and less by the big five studios. And I think it’s a rare opportunity, as a filmmaker, to have the chance to not only work on something that isn’t necessarily having to sell itself on the basis of one set piece and visual extravaganza after another. It’s getting the opportunity to really explore character and explore detail and nuance. The more internalized aspects of storytelling. I think that’s becoming more and more the domain of great cable television, not Hollywood.”

This December, enjoy an American crime drama, whether you’ve seen the original or not. “The Gambler” is sure to set the stakes for fellow options in theaters.

‘The Gambler’ lays its cards down in theaters Dec. 19.