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Cast

Gwyneth Paltrow
as Clementine

Samuel L. Jackson
as Jimmy

Philip Baker Hall
as Sydney

John C. Reilly
as John Finnegan

F. William Parker
as Hostage

Philip Seymour Hoffman
as Young Craps Player

Nathanael Cooper
as Restroom Attendant

Wynn White
as Waitress

Robert Ridgely
as Keno Bar Manager

Kathleen Campbell
as Keno Girl

Michael J. Rowe
as Pit Boss

Peter D'Allesandro
as Bartender

Steve Blane
as Stickman

Xaleese
as Cocktail Waitress

Melora Walters
as Jimmy's Girl

Jean Langer
as Cashier

Andy Breen
as Groom

Renee Breen
as Bride

Jane W. Brimmer
as Aladdin Cashier

Mark Finizza
as Desk Clerk

Richard Gross
as Floorman

Cliff Keeley
as Aladdin Change Booth Attendant

Carrie McVey
as El Dorado Cashier

Truman Robbins
as Pastor

Ernie Anderson
as Pants on Fire Person

Wendy Weidman
as Pants on Fire Person

Jason Cross
as Pants on Fire Person

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News & Interviews for Hard Eight

Critic Reviews for Hard Eight

Audience Reviews for Hard Eight

• May 02, 2014

  A gambler takes a hapless fellow under his wing, but when he falls for the wrong woman, their lives could be threatened. Paul Thomas Anderson's feature film debut is a slow-moving but compelling drama. Phillip Baker Hall and John C. Reilly, who would later become PTA alums, play characters reminiscent of their careers as a whole -- Hall a tough, restrained fatherly figure and Reilly a dumb, doe-eyed everyman. Usually these characters are confined to the background, but when PTA focuses on them, they are compelling. The plot isn't much to write home about, and the last-act reveal isn't terribly surprising, but the film marches along inoffensively. Overall, PTA's debut wasn't the harbinger of greatness that one might expect, but it's certainly worthy of his oeuvre.
  Jim H Super Reviewer
• Jul 13, 2013

  A solid first feature from the praised P.T. Anderson concerning a mysterious figure named Sydney (Phillip Baker Hall) who shows compassion to two aimless young people (John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow) by taking them in under his wing, who in turn get him in the middle of a big mess involving an assault of a stranger. Hall has been one of those actors who pops up seemingly everywhere as a supporting piece, but there is no doubt that this is his show, and perhaps his finest hour, as he keeps the audience guessing as to what he is going to do next all while maintaining a composed demeanor. While far from Anderson's best film, that is a simple story that is very well acted and well-written. It is far from a masterpiece as it tends to drag in sections, but Hall's character makes this worth a view alone.
  

  Dan S Super Reviewer
• Nov 19, 2012

  Hard Eight is Paul Thomas Anderson's first and most underatted film. Expanded from a a short he shot several years earlier. The story focuses on a down on luck loner (John C. Reilly) who meets a professional gambler (Phillip Baker Hall), they soon become partners and have some neat tricks when making easy money, But is not always a pleasure when you've other to care for. Anderson competently wrote and directored the low key drama with some first rate perfomances from Hall and Reilly and some great supports from Gwyneth Paltrow and Samuel L. Jackson. Its definitley an essential film if your a lover of Paul Thomas Anderson's films.
  Luke E Super Reviewer
• Dec 26, 2011

  Shocking and entretaining, Hard Eight is a film with good acting and terrific screenplay.
  Lucas M Super Reviewer

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