Ballad of a Small Player

Been thinking about this interesting, visually impressive,like it or loathe it drama/thriller/dark comedy.

First, Colin Farrell excels in the lead as a loathsome, slimy worm of a man who reminded me of Lord Melbury from Fawlty Towers,Paul Whitehouse's character from The Fast Show- The 13th Duke of Wimbourne and....well....me! The slicked back black hair, spiv moustache and a liking to unusual clothing. It made me laugh!

His addiction to gambling is palpable and director Edward Berger isn't afraid to show how far he's fallen, with close ups,shaky camera,humour.

His character develops to a road to redemption way via a mysterious Chinese ghost story (the Hungry Ghost) that also reminded me of the excellent Twilight Zone episode The Misfortune Cookie with Elliot Gould.

This adds a feel of a horror film that will put most off (Laura) but will give the keen watcher a lot to digest (was he dead,was the old woman at the table the devil?).

I'd pair this with an underrated Phillip Seymour Hoffman gambling film from 2003 'Owning Mahowny' .

The cinematography expertly captures the empty look of hotels (Doyle's psyche?) to the razzle dazzle of China.

Only Tilda Swinton is a misstep in her silly glasses and wig that she looked like Lynne and Nan. She fails to convince as a private investigator.

I'll happily rewatch this strange, hypnotic film and already think it's one of the best films about addiction.

Loved the performances in this movie. The setting was perfect. Macau is beautifully depicted, not just as a backdrop but as part of the story itself. Well acted and filmed, with Colin Farrell and Fala Chen bringing real depth to their characters. Some shots in the movie are really nice, capturing both the glamour and the loneliness of Doyle's world. I liked the story and message as well, about chance, redemption, and the people we meet along the way.

Colin Farrel is one of my favorite actors and with this film he really got to show his acting chops. He practically carried the film by himself but then Tilda showed up!

With the back drop of Macau, the beautiful buildings and colors juxtaposed with people living in small boats out on a river it really makes the colors stand out even more.

Watch through the closing credits to see Colin and Tilda dancing.

Ballad Of A Small Player is a fine example of how cinema can be dazzling and disappointing at the same time. It is the portrait of a talented director trying to extract meaning from a fragile script, and an exceptional cast struggling with a story that doesn't know where it's going. There are flashes of genius, moments when Berger's talent shines through - but they appear isolated, as if they belonged to another film. The result is an elegant, well-constructed drama, but one without soul.

In short, Ballad Of A Small Player is one of the great disappointments of the year. Not because it is a disaster, but precisely because it has everything it takes to be great. It is a reminder that, no matter how flawless the execution, a film can only stand on its own when the script gives substance to the ideas. Here, what we see is the opposite: a talented team trying to fill the void of a narrative that never comes together. Edward Berger remains a strong and respected name, but this is a minor chapter in his filmography - a slip-up that shows that even the greats can lose the balance between intention and execution.

Edward Berger returns with another stunning film, this time based on the novel by Lawrence Osborne and with a screenplay by Rowan Joffe. A drama of redemption featuring an exceptional performance by Colin Farrell.

The cast also includes Fala Chen, Tilda Swinton, and Deannie Yip. Lord Doyle (Colin Farrell) takes refuge in Macau, where he squanders his days and nights gambling and drinking, risking what little money he has left. Drowning in mounting debt, he receives an unexpected offer from Dao Ming (Fala Chen), an enigmatic casino employee determined to play her own game. But Doyle is not alone in his escape. Private detective Cynthia Blithe (Tilda Swinton) is hot on his trail and doesn't hesitate to confront him with the very thing he's trying to flee. The more Doyle seeks salvation, the more the boundaries of reality blur.

Ballad of a Small Player reaffirms that the German director is one of the best at conveying tension, anguish, and complexity. He delivers another film with impeccable staging and outstanding performances. He makes the most of a script with moments more intense than others, resulting in one of the most interesting films Netflix has offered on its platform this year.

An intense drama that gains momentum as we explore the catharsis of its protagonist, masterfully portrayed by Colin Farrell, who is shaping up to be a strong contender this awards season thanks to one of the best performances of his career. A decadent and broken character who hits rock bottom as we witness the full extent of his despair. However, Farrell isn't the only one who shines, as both Fala Chen and Tilda Swinton stand out in their supporting roles.

It's true that, among Edward Berger's recent work, this film isn't the most outstanding in his filmography, but it has its charm. Perhaps its foray into neo-noir and certain script strengths make it quite enjoyable to watch. However, there are moments when it overreaches and completely derails, although it looks so good and has such a frenetic energy that its flaws are barely noticeable. That said, if you don't connect with it from the start, you'll likely lose interest.

In conclusion...

An interesting and enjoyable film that presents itself as an attractive option to watch and understand. Although it has some flaws in a script that drags on a bit at times, the skill of a talented director and a solid cast ensure that the film works as good entertainment, leaving you with pleasant feelings if you decide to give it a chance.