The Vortex

Just got out a limited release screening for this film! Give it a spin and you can just get lucky! Awesome casting and direction. This film speaks to independent filmmaking and it has some great writing overall. It's really a must-see indy for those interested in character-driven stories and Billy G crushes the performance. He keeps us engaged and into it the whole way. Definitely will get a wider audience as it continues to build theaters. It's a must watch for those into re-living the period casino life with all the chaos that entailed for years Definitely consider taking a trip to go see this film when it comes to a city near you soon.

This is a Gambling Parable that brings us to contemplate the juxtaposition between the material world and the spiritual. At the crossroads is a gambling addict, a washed up 1980s classic Las Vegas comedian, who must make what will probably be the most important decision of his life. The audience is a fly on the wall as we become empaths, watching eccentric characters interact with Pete, played by Billy Gardell. Director Richard Zelniker takes us on a vicarious adventure, one the main character carries as his self-perpetuating loop of intense focus and addiction leads to an unpredictable outcome. Well done!

I went to see The Vortex during its limited run in Los Angeles not realizing the story would play out against the backdrop of the 1980 MGM Grand Hotel fire in Las Vegas, but I left very impressed with the execution by Richard Zelniker and the performance by Billy Gardell.

Zelniker presents a narrative that swirls with an intoxicatingly dizzying effect, telling a cautionary tale of a comedian, Pete, played by Gardell, struggling with gambling debt and admittedly in too deep with underworld associate and friend, Jimmy, played by Christopher Titus. The complicated dance that plays out from the beginning as Jimmy comes to collect is heightened by the passage of time as well as the eerie occurrences which give way to many jackpots throughout the night, spurred by repeat visits from a Paiute woman (Emily Alabi) on the casino floor. As Pete's desperation increases, the Steadicam shots seem faster, creating a vortex-like effect from which the film draws its name, only slowing as he addresses his shortcomings through conversations with other casino patrons and attempts to take control of his fate.

The film's commitment in its depiction of characters searching for redemption through gambling provides the a near-perfect level of dissonance and in turn evokes a sinking feeling through the last act.

The picture gives me hope that independent film will live on with convincingly good quality and is proof that period pieces are possible at any level. I believe it to be a must-see for audiences seeking heavy handed character-driven films.

The chemistry that Billy Gardell finds with this film's entire cast, despite his character's flaws and addictions openly on display, is incredible. Feels like a theatrical production in the best way given the caliber of acting, blocking, and interplay between static and dynamic camera movement. Richard Zelniker has done something special with this one! The gritty Vegas atmosphere is well-invited by the opening fire sequence and the claustrophobic pit scenes. The pacing is careful but engaging and it feels like we're glimpsing something we shouldn't as Gardell spirals down the proverbial vortex. Overall great watch!

All bets aside, Billy G and Richard Z are a dynamic duo in "The Vortex." A comedian fueled with gambling addiction has the opportunity of a lifetime to win big or save his soul. The timeline takes place at the MGM Grand during the 80's (true story). WHAT AN EERIE OPENING, BUT YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING TILL THE END. Must watch. The writing style reminds me of what Kubrick did in the "The Killing." The introduction to each character relationship with Pete (Billy G), amplifies while gambling on the slots machine. You have friends from the casino, Love interest, loan shark, the loan sharks muscle, and native spirit (is she real or not?).