Tuesday, July 08, 2003
Physical State: leaden
Mental State: rubbery
Music: Richard Hell - Time
Fashion sense: green shirt, tan shorts
Finally caught Owning Mahoney yesterday and while not the greatest film ever it is a very good one. Phillip Seymour Hoffmann is exceptional in this one as nondescript, nebbish banker Dan Mahowny. This film (based on the true story of CIBC bank manager Brian Molony and the book "Stung" by Gary Ross) follows Dan as he embezzles money from a Toronto bank to cover his outstanding debts to his bookie for a mere $10,000. I say mere because this realization that Dan can move money around in his bank and create fradulent loan extensions sets in motion an incredible downward slide of fraud to support a gambling habit to the tune of $10 million upon his arrest. One of the biggest bank fraud's in Canada's history. As mentioned before Phillip Seymour Hoffmann is incredible (he's quickly become one of my favourite actors of all time). The casting is superb as he seems like the only one who could play a part like this (not unlike his unremarkable character in Happiness). John Hurt as well is well cast as the oily casino owner who sees his meal-ticket in the form of Mahowny (hence the title). Minnie Driver fans look elsewhere though, she is a little underused as Dan's enabler/fiancee Belinda. Indeed this is a film about a terrible addiction and like most addiction films it isn't pretty and there are victims. This is one of the best movies to ever demonstrate the psychosis of gambling and how its not about winning, its about the sick thrill of the loss and the constant need to get a "high". The portrayal of Toronto in the early 80s is also right on as well, a grey and sleepy city that plays off against the flash of Atlantic City and Vegas. Worth checking out.
On an unrelated note I've discovered this bizarro and multi-talented artist, Dame Darcy, courtesy of Everett True and his show Careless Talk at Totally Radio. She has a new "debut" album out called "Greatest Hits". A comic book artist, musician and filmmaker as well, you can find out more about her by clicking here. How come I discover great things so late? This girl is like a Victorian / mountain girl folkie from some Guy Maddin film. Inspired.
