Is it a simple morality tale or an Oscar contender? That’s the question around Mark Wahlberg‘s "The Gambler," but it looks like Paramount Pictures is ending any speculation by announcing today that the Rupert Wyatt-directed film will have its World Premiere next month at AFI Fest.
The remake of the 1970s film brings a strong ensemble together around Wahlberg, including Brie Larson, Jessica Lange, John Goodman, and Michael K. Williams, in the tale of a gambling addicted professor on a downward spiral. Wahlberg has done his homework, losing weight for the role, and looking decidedly unfunky, and this announcement should likely see Oscar watchers once again making changes to their predictions.
AFI Fest runs from November 6 to 13. Full press release below.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, LOS ANGELES, CA, October 13, 2014 – The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today that Paramount Pictures’ THE GAMBLER will have its World Premiere on Monday, November 10, 2014 at AFI FEST presented by Audi. The film is directed by Rupert Wyatt, with a screenplay by Academy Award® winner William Monahan, and produced by Academy Award® nominee Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Academy Award® winner Irwin Winkler, Academy Award® winner Robert Chartoff and David Winkler. The film stars Wahlberg, John Goodman, Brie Larson, Michael Kenneth Williams and Academy Award® winner Jessica Lange. The Gala screening will take place at the Dolby Theatre®.
To attend the World Premiere of THE GAMBLER with reserved seats, guests must purchase a festival package at the Star Patron or Marquee Patron levels. These and other AFI FEST Patron Packages and Passes – that can include access to sold-out Galas and other high-demand films and events – are on sale now at AFI.com/AFIFEST. AFI members at the Two-Star level and above receive a 10% discount on all AFI FEST Patron Packages and Passes. AFI Members will be given access to regular screenings with a Cinepass for this year’s festival. Information about AFI Membership is available at AFI.com/membership. The American Film Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and cultural organization, and Patron Packages are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Free individual tickets to AFI FEST screenings and Galas will be available to the general public online at AFI.com beginning Friday, October 24.
AFI FEST will take place November 6 through 13 in Hollywood, CA, at the Dolby Theatre®, TCL Chinese Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. As previously announced, the Opening Night Gala will be the World Premiere of A MOST VIOLENT YEAR (DIR J.C. Chandor) on Thursday, November 6; Sophia Loren will be honored with a special Tribute on Wednesday, November 12 and FOXCATCHER (DIR Bennett Miller) will close the festival on Thursday, November 13. The full festival lineup will be unveiled later this month.
For the 11th year, Audi is the festival’s presenting sponsor. Additional top sponsors include AT&T, Coca-Cola, VIZIO, American Airlines (the official airline of AFI), Dunkin’ Donuts, Netflix and Stella Artois. The festival’s venue sponsors include the Dolby Theatre, TCL Chinese Theatres, the Hollywood & Highland Center, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the Egyptian Theatre.
About THE GAMBLER
Jim Bennett (Academy Award® nominee Mark Wahlberg) is a risk taker. Both an English professor and a high-stakes gambler, Bennett bets it all when he borrows from a gangster (Michael Kenneth Williams) and offers his own life as collateral. Always one step ahead, Bennett pits his creditor against the operator of a gambling ring (Alvin Ing) and leaves his dysfunctional relationship with his wealthy mother (Academy Award® winner Jessica Lange) in his wake. He plays both sides, immersing himself in an illicit, underground world while garnering the attention of Frank (John Goodman), a loan shark with a paternal interest in Bennett’s future. As his relationship with a student (Brie Larson) deepens, Bennett must take the ultimate risk for a second chance. Produced by Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Irwin Winkler, Robert Chartoff and David Winkler. Based upon the film written by James Toback with a screenplay by William Monahan. Directed by Rupert Wyatt.
