Road films always follow the same formula: two or more characters of completely contrasting personalities are put together on some magical adventure or journey towards something that promises to change their lives, but it’s within that journey itself and not the destination where they find that same something. But what happens if one of the primary characters in the adventure is wholly unlikeable and never actually learns from their mistakes? What then?
Mississippi Grind
Directors: Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck
Rating: N/A
Release Date: January 24, 2015 (Sundance)
Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn) is a talented poker player, but like most gambling addicts, his habits have gotten the best of him. When the enigmatic Curtis (Reynolds) mysteriously shows up at a poker table Gerry’s playing at, a rapport is somewhat struck between them. It’s not until later that night at a local bar where Curtis and Gerry truly connect and spend the rest of the night galavanting across town wheeling and dealing, with Gerry realizing that Curtis is some type of good luck charm. Dangerously in debt to a mysterious woman, Gerry convinces Curtis to spot him some cash as they work various private poker tables, cruise ship games, and other various locales on their way to a supposed luxurious house game in New Orleans where the buy-in begins at $25,000. However, along the way, Gerry’s true character and intentions are revealed, while Curtis discovers a side of himself through Gerry that makes him second guess the trip.
While Curtis is somewhat similar to the majority of Reynolds’ past roles (charming, alluring, etc.), he obviously shines with these types of characters. There’s also a bit of a magical element to Curtis that might be subtly alluded to, or could just be myself trying to inject an extra layer into a film that desperately needs more. Mendelsohn also portrays Gerry’s greasy, untrustworthy character to a T. However, it’s in the writing of his character and the overall narrative that irked me the most. To risk a potential spoiler, Gerry never learns anything by the end of the film. In a way, films that end with life lessons are predictable and ultimately don’t serve a true purpose, while films like Mississippi Grind where characters don’t have that moment of enlightenment are a lot more real and grounded. Yet, it doesn’t work with this film, especially for one that pushes just how dangerous gambling addiction can be, especially for a character like Gerry who doesn’t know when to quit. Curtis’ character shows more growth and development, but it’s a shame that his arc is relegated to a subplot to make room for Gerry’s non-transformation.
Mississippi Grind will make some money at the box office thanks to Reynolds’ involvement and A24 purchasing the distribution rights. However, it’s a mediocre film that will garner some laughs, but will ultimately prove to be a gamble on opening weekend for most.