Hard Eight (1996)

Synopsis of Hard Eight

Before his commercial breakthrough with Boogie Nights (1997), writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson made this low-key drama. John (John C. Reilly), a half-bright loser stranded in Reno, is down to his last few bucks when Sydney (Phillip Baker Hall), taking pity on him, buys him breakfast and offers him a few tips on making money in the casinos. Two years later, John has become Sydney's partner, but his lack of common sense goes from problematic to dangerous when he falls in love with Clementine (Gwyneth Paltrow), a cocktail waitress who isn't above turning a few tricks when she needs to make money -- and isn't any brighter than John. Hall and Reilly, both first-rate character actors, are cast in rare leading roles, and Paltrow is cast strongly against type as a part-time prostitute with a serious lack of street smarts. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

See All Hard Eight Trailers and Clips

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

101 mins

Director(s):

Paul Thomas Anderson

Writer(s):

Paul Thomas Anderson

Producer(s):

François Duplat, Robert Jones, Hans Brockman

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Not For Children, Violence, Adult Situations)

Categories:

Independent Films

• 1997 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - New Generation Award

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Looking for special editions of Hard Eight?

See All Versions

Subtitles:

Check All Versions

Closed Captioning:

Check All Versions