I love being able to see some of these independent films that either never make it to Des Moines or take months to arrive at the Fleur or Varsity Theaters. Casino Jack includes a Golden Globe-nominated performance for Kevin Spacey. For political buffs, it is one take on the saga of lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Whether you want to see it may depend on your political leanings.
Casino Jack (Kevin Spacey, Barry Pepper, Kelly Preston, Graham Greene, Jon Lovitz) – Oscar buzz surrounds Kevin Spacey’s performance as Jack Abramoff, the so-called Super-Lobbyist who was convicted for multiple federal offenses, went to jail and was released just four weeks ago. Almost everyone has heard of Abramoff and his influence peddling, mainly with Republicans but few know the extent of the story. Casino Jack claims to be “inspired” by true events, which in Hollywood parlance means that a bunch of this is surmised, guessed, embellished, or made up. But we know that the basics are true.
Spacey, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for this performance, has been spending most of his time in the West End of London and takes the occasional film role, most recently in 21 and Shrink, but he also shows a number of movies in progress. Perhaps it is time for his reemergence, and that is good news for filmgoers. Spacey doesn’t resemble the real Abramoff much but he clearly seeks to capture the magnetism, cockiness, chutzpah, and gambling spirit of the lobbyist and restaurateur. Spacey is surrounded by an outstanding cast, including Kelly Preston as his wife, Pam; John Lovitz, seemingly playing himself as a shady businessman with whom Abramoff cuts a deal; and Graham Greene as a leader of one of the many Native American casinos Abramoff represented (and either cheated or overcharged). But the best performance of the film may belong to Barry Pepper, who is also featured role in True Grit. Pepper plays Michael Scanlon, Abramoff’s protégé and partner, who is involved in virtually all of the Washington shenanigans. He doesn’t have Jack’s passion or philanthropic bent but he certainly has all of the bravado. Spacey and Pepper make a dynamic duo in very unexpected ways.
As the film tracks Abramoff’s dealings, scams, out-of-the-box ideas, and lifestyle, the noose tightens. Ultimately, the Abramoff/Scanlon empire comes tumbling down in a Madoff-like way exacerbated by a wronged woman, an out-of-control mattress salesman, and a mob moss (in a wonderful little role played by veteran Maury Chaykin, who died last summer). Speaking of tragedies surrounding this film, Director George Hickenlooper died at the end of October, a month-and-a-half after the film’s debut at the Toronto International Film Festival. Hickenlooper was best known for the movie, Factory Girl as well as his documentaries and docu-shorts. He died at age 47 of an accidental overdose.
Casino Jack is an entertaining political film. It would be even more so if we knew it were all true. It is certainly meant to be Republican-bashing so, if you hate all things Bush or Tom DeLay, you will really like the film. And if you are a Fox News-obsessed conservative, you won’t. Spacey’s liberal leanings cast even more doubt than the “inspired by” language at the outset of the film about the authenticity of the story but it doesn’t detract from the outstanding performances contained therein. This indie flick just opened so you will have to look hard to find it. As usual, it did not open in Central Iowa yet.