The Gambler (2014)
Mark Wahlberg plays a literature professor living dangerously on the edge in this stylish crime thriller directed by Rupert Wyatt.
The Gambler - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Gambler
- Release Year: 2014
- Directed by: Rupert Wyatt
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Thriller, Crime, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 25, 2014 (Canada), December 25, 2014 (United States - R), January 22, 2015 (United Kingdom - 15), January 15, 2015 (Germany - 12), March 18, 2015 (New Zealand), March 18, 2015 (Australia - MA15+), December 31, 2014 (Spain - 16)
- Alternative Titles: The Gambler - Ein Spiel. Sein Leben. (DE), Gambler: Nejvyšší sázka (CZ), 赵枾 (CN)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures, Closest to the Hole Productions, Leverage Entertainment, Winkler Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Gambler - Plot
Literature professor Jim Bennett leads a secret life as a high-stakes gambler. Always a risk-taker, Bennett bets it all when he borrows from a gangster and offers his own life as collateral. Staying one step ahead, he pits his creditor against the operator of an illicit gambling ring while garnering the attention of Frank, a paternalistic loan shark. As his relationship with a student deepens, Bennett must risk everything for a second chance.
The Gambler - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the high-stakes world of Jim Bennett unfold:
The only way out is all in
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The Gambler - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rupert Wyatt
Main Cast
- Mark Wahlberg
- John Goodman
- Brie Larson
- Michael Kenneth Williams
- George Kennedy
- Jessica Lange
- Richard Schiff
- Andre Braugher
- Emory Cohen
- Domenick Lombardozzi
Writers
- William Monahan
Producers
- Mark Wahlberg
- David Winkler
- Irwin Winkler
- Stephen Levinson
- Robert Chartoff
The Gambler - FAQs
What is The Gambler (2014) about?
The Gambler follows Jim Bennett, a literature professor with a dangerous addiction to high-stakes gambling. When he borrows money from a ruthless loan shark and puts his own life on the line, he's forced to navigate a web of gangsters, creditors, and personal demons—all while falling for one of his students.
Does The Gambler have a happy ending?
The film ends on a surprisingly hopeful note. Jim Bennett manages to clear his debts and walk away from his self-destructive lifestyle. The final scene suggests a genuine fresh start—a rare second chance for a character who spent most of the film courting his own destruction.
Where can you stream The Gambler (2014)?
The Gambler is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. You can also stream it for free through Kanopy and Hoopla, which are available via many public library memberships.
Is The Gambler based on a true story?
Not directly. The 2014 film is a remake of the 1974 classic of the same name, which was loosely inspired by Fyodor Dostoevsky's semi-autobiographical novella The Gambler. The screenplay was written by William Monahan, who updated the story for a contemporary setting.
Who are the main actors in The Gambler?
Mark Wahlberg leads the cast as Jim Bennett, with John Goodman delivering a standout performance as Frank, the menacing loan shark. Brie Larson plays Amy, Bennett's student and love interest, while Jessica Lange, Michael Kenneth Williams, and Andre Braugher round out the impressive ensemble.
What is John Goodman's famous speech in The Gambler?
John Goodman's “F-you money” monologue is the film's most celebrated scene. As Frank, he delivers a raw, philosophical speech about the freedom that comes from having enough money to answer to no one—a speech that became widely shared online and is considered one of Goodman's finest screen moments.
How was The Gambler received by critics?
The film earned mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics praised John Goodman's electrifying supporting turn and Greig Fraser's sleek cinematography, while opinions on Wahlberg's performance were divided. Many felt the film was stylish but emotionally distant, leaving its protagonist harder to root for than intended.
Is The Gambler a remake of an older film?
Yes. The 2014 film is a remake of Karel Reisz's 1974 version, which starred James Caan. Both films share the same core premise of a self-destructive gambler spiraling into dangerous debt, though William Monahan's screenplay shifts the setting and updates the character dynamics considerably.
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