Anderson’s first feature is impressive for it’s lean noirish plotting and compelling performances. Following the bond between a senior gambler and a homeless man, the film illuminates a secret world within Las Vegas. While imperfect, it marks an auspicious debut.

This film is screening in the current Adelaide Cinémathèque program and part of a curated program showcasing the work and influences of Paul Thomas Anderson.

Long Takes and Loose Ends The Films and Influences of Paul Thomas Anderson, American Filmmaker

Paul Thomas Anderson has become something of a titan of contemporary cinema. Yet he has always been a filmmaker who wears his influences on his sleeve. In this block, we will look at the films that bear the clearest influence on his work while highlighting a body of work marked by deep character studies and inventive narrative techniques.