Hard Eight (film)

Hard Eight, also known as Sydney, is a 1996 American neo-noir crime drama film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson in his feature directorial debut. It stars Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Samuel L. Jackson. The film tells the story of an older, experienced gambler, Sydney Brown (Hall), who takes a young, down-on-his-luck man, John Finnegan (Reilly), under his wing and teaches him the ropes of making money in casinos.

The film revolves around themes of mentorship, surrogate fatherhood, and the moral ambiguities of a life lived on the fringes of society. John falls for Clementine (Paltrow), a cocktail waitress and part-time prostitute, leading to complications and a rekindling of Sydney’s mysterious past. As John becomes more adept at gambling, he also gets drawn into increasingly dangerous situations.

Hard Eight was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival. It received positive reviews, with praise directed towards Anderson's direction, writing, and the performances of the cast, particularly Hall. The film helped launch Anderson's career and established his reputation as a promising young filmmaker. It is noted for its understated style, deliberate pacing, and complex characters. The title Hard Eight refers to a specific roll in the game of craps, a metaphor for the characters' precarious and risky lives.