Last year’s “First Reformed” puts film fans in a tough position. When a new film from Paul Schrader is announced, should we be super excited or a bit hesitant? Of course, Schrader is the writer behind films such as “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” and “The Last Temptation of Christ.” However, he’s also the man who directed “The Canyons.” So, when “First Reformed” was released and quickly became one of the best films of last year, Schrader’s career seems like it marks the return to glory for Schrader. But will “The Card Counter” continue that trend or become another project from the filmmaker that is best forgotten?
Well, according to Variety, it appears that the first cast member signed on for “The Card Counter” is plenty to give us hope that Schrader has another incredible film up his sleeve. The report claims that Oscar Isaac has signed on to play a gambler and former soldier, Tell, who takes it upon himself to help a young man shed some of his anger in Las Vegas.
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Isaac is one of the best actors working today, having starred in recent films such as “At Eternity’s Gate,” “Operation Finale,” and “Annihilation.” He’s also one of the stars of the recent “Star Wars” trilogy that is ending in December’s ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’
Outside of Isaac’s involvement, there is even more hope that “The Card Counter” is going to be another “First Reformed” thanks to the involvement of cinematographer Alexander Dynan and editor Benjamin Rodriguez Jr, who both worked with Schrader on last year’s film.
HanWay Films is going to sell the film to distributors at the upcoming American Film Market.
HanWay Films managing director Gabrielle Stewart said, “Schrader is a master of economical and cinematic story-telling. This is essentially an unlikely and surprising three-hander that weaves together the entertaining world of gambling; a potent and personal revenge thriller; unafraid to ask some extremely current and uncomfortable questions. Isaac’s Tell is set to be a modern, iconic anti-hero, unmistakably drawn by this genius screenwriter.”
Filming is expected to begin on “The Card Counter” in early 2020.