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POLITICAL movies are often dull and don't generally provide much distraction from the horrific reality of real life politics. However, Casino Jack manages to be topical and entertaining while staying fairly true to the subject matter.
This film offers an alternative view of the 'American dream' based on the true story of greedy US lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Abramoff was a highly egocentric character who made his fortune through manipulation and deceit.
The movie begins with Abramoff (Spacey) delivering a powerful monologue into his mirror. This disturbing little pep-talk sets the tone for the rest of this fast-paced, action-packed film. He spews some acerbic diatribe about the mediocrity of modern culture and pats himself on the back for being the type of individual that rises above it all.
This role lends itself perfectly to Kevin Spacey's unique interpretation and, in my opinion, the opening sequence is a shining example of why Spacey is perfect for the role. He manages to tell you everything you need to know about the essence of the character in two minutes.
Although the story is based on fact, since this is a Hollywood production, certain parts have been adapted to make the movie flow better. For those not familiar with Abramoff's story, the gist of it is ... in order to gain millions of dollars in lobbying fees, he bribed politicians, laundered money and even thwarted efforts to abolish sweatshops. Overall, he was not a nice guy!
This is a fairly complicated story about how he used his influence on Capital Hill in return for some very large cheques. However, the real trouble begins when he defrauds a Native American tribe out of millions of dollars and uses the ill-gotten cash to start a floating casino and it results in at least one murder.
The story is told in a non-linear fashion, largely through flashbacks, from Abramoff's high-flying past leading up to his hard-up present, which looks certain to end in a lengthy prison sentence for fraud and corruption.
Although the supporting cast manages to provide strategic back-up, make no mistake about it, this is Spacey's movie and he steals the show. However, with that said, special mention goes to Barry Pepper for his performance as Abramoff's fellow lobbyist Michael Scanlon.
Scanlon is the guy who figures out the best way to make a fortune is to find clients - Indian tribes running casinos - bully them by overcharging them and playing them off against other tribes. Pepper manages to hold his own on screen with Spacey, no easy task, and commands respect in his role.
Also worth noting is the clever casting of Jon Lovitz as a small time crook who scrws up his chance at 'hanging with the big boys'. His comedic background comes in handy and serves as a welcome distraction from an often tedious plot. His scenes are very well placed and delivered with an impeccable style.
The only thing that confused me about this movie is that it's set up as a comedy/drama, which an oxymoronic description to say the least. At times I felt the plot became a little confused in what it was trying to achieve because it often painted an unlikable character in a favourable light.
Showing in Cineco, Seef II and Saar Cineplex
