The Vortex

I was engaged from the first second. A card with text came up with the historical MGM Grand fire information. 1980. Vegas. Followed by enchanting music that was mesmerizing as credits started coming up, then followed by a tableau of shots that kept me on the edge of my seat. Such a unique and unusual way to keep the audience engaged from the start to finish. A character-driven movie that resembled the best of a stage play with the immediacy of a deeply cinematic tone seen through a camera that is basically a fly on the wall in a mostly one room set, a slots room where the compulsive gambler, Billy Gardell plays and hosts a bunch of wacky folks who come and go. Characters in equal parts dangerous, amusing, strange, eccentric and entertaining there was never a dull moment. The performances were across the board amazing! The music, the design, and the hint of a karmic story that brings the Southern Paiute nation into the hands of a supernatural and mystical power that drives the question of what really happened at the MGM Grand that night... and I'll say no more. Don't miss this movie in the theater playing currently in LA. I saw the movie at the premiere and was so happy I went. Don't miss it at Laemmle's NOHO 7.

Richard Zelniker takes a bold swing with this minimalist portrait of a deeply wounded gambling addict - and it pays off. Tackling such emotionally fraught subject matter is no small feat, but what makes this film especially daring is the way it's executed. Zelniker leans into long takes not as a stylistic flourish, but as a way to immerse us in the character's unraveling world, capturing the relentless tension of the casino and the claustrophobia of addiction. The result is a film that's both gripping and haunting. I found myself on edge throughout, fully engaged, and constantly curious where it would go next. A gutsy and impressive piece of work. Bravo!

I LOVED this movie! It delves into relationships, addiction, and redemption in a way that feels both intimate and thrilling. The opening of the film immediately caught my attention as I found myself eager to know what was coming next. The unique setting of mostly taking place in one room created a sense of closeness allowing me feel more connected to the characters, especially Pete. As the story unfolded, I found myself rooting for Pete, hoping he would hit that jackpot. I was fully engrossed in each characters story finding them all relatable in one way or another. If you're looking for a film that will not only keep you on the edge of your seat but also immerse you in its characters' lives, making you feel like a part of their struggles, this is the one for you!

If you're looking for something different and unique to cleanse your movie palate, look no further than, "The Vortex".

Co-written and directed by Richard Zelniker, this "Birdman" meets "The Gambler" takes us through a substory to the infamous MGM Grand fire of 1980 in Las Vegas.

Starring Billy Gardell as Pete, a down on his luck standup comedian with an un-ruly gambling addiction who thinks all his debt/problems can be solved with one pull of slot machine lever.

This film hooks you from the get go with its eerie ambience and lonesome tone right out the gate. Looming in our thoughts are the inevitable and catastrophic outcome we know of the fires that took the lives of 87 people and injured over 700.

The anticipation only builds not knowing where this story will take us with only just a few hours before the devastation. The intensity builds like the inferno that's coming with each passing character that engages Pete on the slots. Pete's a very likable guy but likes alone won't save him with the people he's mixed up with. With each coin inserted and crank of a lever, Pete's time and money is running out. Will his luck run out, too?

I highly recommend this movie if you appreciate good writing, swiftly flowing and moving cinematography, a beautifully composed score and great acting. (Seriously, every actor in this movie crushed it!).

Zelniker delivers a delight where indie films are much needed during these unforeseen times in the entertainment industry. It's an example of how to make an indie film that's rich with creativity and non-conformity. We desperately need more films of this structure and nature for the industry to thrive. Hopefully "The Vortex" will influence other filmmakers to go all in and lay their cards out there for something they believe in.

So follow my suit and check out, "The Vortex". It's a jackpot!

In this character driven "New Hollywood Cinema" style Indie gem, director Zelniker takes his time to dig deeply into a real-life crisis: gambling addiction. A star turning role for stand-up comic and sitcom actor Billy Gardell -- who handles a dramatic role like a seasoned vet -- as a likeable and sympathetic gambler who is in too deep with some shady characters. This richly stylized think piece is chock full of down on their luck working class characters that inhabit the world of "off the Strip" Vegas in the 1980s who are just trying to survive the daily grind of life. Plus, there's a touch of mysticism that provides some cinematic poetry seasoned with Indigenous spirituality. A beautiful film made for true cinema lovers.