Many times in Hollywood, an actor will become
stereotyped. This happened to Cuba Gooding, Jr.
after his Oscar win for "Jerry Maguire", and
it has even happened to the likes of Joe Pesci and Chris
Rock. Many people say that Philip Seymour-Hoffman
is stereotyped nowadays, but I do not agree with that
assumption. Sure -- he has the tendency to play
losers -- lowlives who don't have much going for them
and probably never will; but, he portrays each character
with a different type of ferocity, never the same.
His last two films, "25th Hour" and "Love
Liza" were films that showcased his range and
emotional talent as an actor, and "Owning Mahowny"
might be his crowned achievement.
In the film, which is based on a true story, Hoffman
stars as Dan Mahowny, the vice-president of a bank who
drives a beaten-up junk pile of a car and wears some of
the most out-of-style suits around. Mahowny is a
gambling addict. And, when I say he is addicted,
that is an understatement. Eventually, after being
dumped by his bookie (Maury Chaykin) and owing people a
considerable amount of money, Mahowny begins stealing
money from the bank. At first, he steals only what
he owes. By the end, he has stolen over ten
million dollars.
Mahowny's adventures on the stolen cash take him to
Atlantic City, where he encounters Victor Foss, a seedy,
yet professional casino owner, who labels him a 'major
player', giving him a lavish suite and even going so far
as to send a prostitute up to his room. Minnie
Driver also stars as Mahowny's girlfriend Belinda.
The best thing about this film is the subject matter.
This is the most honest and straight forward film about
gambling ever created, and the addiction is what makes
us dislike Mahowny. Throughout the film, no matter
what happens and no matter what he is offered, all
Mahowny wants to do is gamble; it is like a life force
that drives his every action; it is almost he lives just
to gamble, which is essentially correct.
This film also paints some very different pictures from
what we are used to being fed. Maury Chaykin, who
plays Frank Perlin the bookie, is seen as somewhat of a
good man. He refuses to take any more of Mahowny's
bets because he is tired of having to yell at him and
whip out threats -- he seems to be more dignified than
that.
Philip Seymour-Hoffman carries this film on his
shoulders and might receive the Oscar attention he
certainly deserved for "Love Liza". His
performance is flawless -- every action is consistent
and it is amazing how he is able to pull off shy and
awkward so well, especially since he is supposedly very
witty and outspoken in reality. John Hurt also
delivers a memorable performance as the casino owner,
and it was nice to see Minnie Driver back in action
again, after somewhat of a long hiatus.
"Owning Mahowny" is a fantastic picture and
one of the best dramas of the year. I have said it
before, and I will say it again -- Philip
Seymour-Hoffman is one of the greatest actors around
today, and possibly the greatest character actor around
anywhere. This film oozes drama and delivers a
very powerful and important message. It will be
released wide, so find it once it has been.
