Gambler

Year: 2006

Grade: B

Country: Denmark

Director: Ambo

Review

documentary that’s thematically linked to american movie: the making of northwestern, but doesn’t have the depth and range that that film does. it follows filmmaker refn who is working on a sequel to his hugely popular Danish film “the pusher.” as a result of his two more recent films, though, he’s in debt and this is the reason for his revisiting the film that made him big. the documentary reveals much about the film industry, general artistry and the business end of art. refn doesn’t necessarily want to make sequels to the pusher, but he knows it will get him out of debt. he struggles with writer’s block, overwhelming debt, a new child, his marriage and apparent stomach problems (as evidenced by the copious [and humorous] use of alka-seltzer). definitely worth checking out if you ever get the chance.

Watched in theater