Article written by Craig Dixon on 01-Jan-2003
Most Wanted R4 DVDs: Hard Eight

Take a microphone out to the streets and ask people who Paul Thomas Anderson is, and the majority will shake their head. Mention two of his films, Boogie Nights and Magnolia though, and they should immediately register. Two of the most breathtaking films to be produced in the 90's, they deservedly brought Anderson a flood of attention, with many calling him part Scorsese, part Altman and definately one of the most talented young filmmakers around.

Mention a little film by the name of Hard Eight though, and people will go back to scratching their heads. Hard Eight, also known as Sydney, was Anderson's debut feature, first released in 1996, and is sadly often forgotten.

I have to admit. I had no idea the film existed until after I had seen Boogie Nights and had been completely blown away. Doing a little research on Anderson, I immediately seeked out Hard Eight. I didn't really know what to expect. Boogie Nights was a big film in every way. It was long, featured a large ensemble cast and was quite epic in scale. Hard Eight is presented quite differently. The film runs just over 100 minutes, focuses only on four major characters and was made on a much lower budget. What Hard Eight does share with Anderson's followup films is his complete confidence and assurance as both a director and a writer. Hard Eight is a magnificent debut, sparked with intelligent writing and tremendous performances.

Verteran character actor Philip Baker Hall plays Sydney, a mysterious gambler who comes to the aid of down on his luck John (John C. Reilly). He teaches John the art of 'playing' the casinos and over time, John grows to treat Sydney as a father figure. Things turn sour, however, when John becomes involved with cocktail waitress Clementine (Gwyneth Paltrow) and two-bit gangster Jimmy (Samuel L. Jackson).

It's a relatively simple and not overly complex storyline, but one that serves Anderson's characterisations well. This film is all about characters and performances, and as Anderson showed with his later films, this is one of his strongest assets. He appears to be the true definition of what you would call an 'actor's director', and his cast do not let him down here. John C. Reilly, whom the character of John was written for, is excellent in his breakthrough performance. Reilly is always a pleasure to watch. He has a wonderful charm and naivete, which serves this character well. Paltrow is well cast as the not so smart waitress, and Jackson is his usual strong self in a smallish role. However, Philip Baker Hall is the real wonder here. Best known for his one man performance as Richard Nixon in Robert Altman's Secret Honour, Hall gives an amazing performance. He's the kind of actor who immediately deserves your respect, from his sharp suits to his baggy,
seen it all before eyes. Anderson regards him as his favourite actor, and it's easy to see why. Other Anderson regulars, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Melora Walters and the late Robert Ridgely appear in small roles.

Anderson doesn't get too flashy with his camera. The tricks and techniques that worked wonders for his later films just aren't necessary here. He has faith in his words and his actors. Here, he seems happy to step back slightly and comfortably just follow the actors around. That's not to say the film doesn't look great. Anderson creates a moody and sparse atmosphere to coincide with his equally shady characters.

Hard Eight was originally released with very little fanfare and has only picked up a small following since the success of Anderson's later work. While not quite as polished as his later efforts (the film's resolution when we finally discover why Sydney originally helped John is not quite as satisfying as I would have liked), Hard Eight is still a must-see movie. So why is it not availabe on DVD in Region 4? Distribution rights may be a cause. The film is available in Region 1 through Columbia Tristar, with a nice collection of extras including an audio commentary from Anderson and Hall. Hopefully, Australian distributors will discover Paul Thomas Anderson's growing popularity, especially with his soon to be released Punch Drunk Love, and find a place for Hard Eight on the local market. Anderson really stamped his potential all over this film. One of the best debuts I've yet seen, Hard Eight commands an audience.