While nothing groundbreaking or powerful, The Gambler opens with a
tense situation for the lead character and holds it over his head for
the remainder of the picture. There aren't any action scenes or quick
cuts — this is a quiet 70's drama that takes place on the streets, where
the people who are seeking out the film's antihero could be around any
corner. currentfilm
o o o o This film doesn't make judgments. It's a movie about what
this man is like and how he feels — not whether he's good or bad. Karel Reisz
— Summer's almost over. It's sad, isn't it? Makes you want to — I don't know — reach out and hold it back. — There'll be other summers. — How about a swim? — Maybe later. — Hmmm.
o o o o
A movie that looks great but means little. Don Willmott
o o o o A film of shimmering surface brilliance and almost complete lack of focus or substance. Don Druker
o o o o A long, slow, sickening bore. Stanley Kauffmann