The latest film directed by Edward Berger, titled ‘Ballad of a Small Player’, has premiered on Netflix after a limited theatrical release. The movie, which stars Colin Farrell as a gambling addict named Lord Doyle, struggles to capture the intensity of a psychological thriller. While it serves as a character study, it fails to ignite excitement throughout its runtime.
Set against the backdrop of Macau, a renowned gambling hub, the film introduces Lord Doyle, who describes himself in the opening narration as “a high roller on a slippery slope.” He finds himself in a dire financial situation, burdened with over 350,000 Hong Kong dollars in debt. As he dons his distinctive yellow gloves, viewers quickly learn that his luck is running out.
In the opulent setting of the Wynn Palace, Lord Doyle’s lavish lifestyle starkly contrasts with the chaos of his financial troubles. His suite is filled with empty bottles, a testament to his struggles, as he receives a note demanding payment. A casino manager warns him that failure to settle his debts could lead to police involvement. Despite his precarious situation, a sympathetic valet suggests that he may still secure credit at the more modest Rainbow Casino, prompting a desperate venture into the rain-soaked streets of Macau.
At the Rainbow Casino, Lord Doyle meets Dao Ming, played by Fala Chen. She offers him credit, despite the clear warning signs that this could further complicate his already troubled life. As the narrative unfolds, Lord Doyle’s misfortunes continue, compounded by the relentless pursuit of a private investigator named Cynthia Blithe, portrayed by Tilda Swinton, who represents parties demanding payment.
The film’s plot is set against the Festival of the Hungry Ghost, where Dao Ming intermittently reappears in Lord Doyle’s life. He clings to the hope of a change in fortune, often fantasizing about sharing his hypothetical winnings with her. Yet, the viewer can easily discern the inevitable path of despair that awaits him.
While Colin Farrell has recently garnered acclaim for his roles in projects like “The Penguin,” his performance in this film lacks the depth needed to fully engage the audience. Despite the character’s colorful quirks, viewers may find it challenging to connect with Lord Doyle’s plight.
Based on the 2014 novel by Lawrence Osborne, the screenplay was adapted by Rowan Joffe. Unfortunately, Berger does not have the same strong material to work with as he did in his previous films, notably “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Conclave,” both of which received Academy Award nominations.
Visually, the film is striking, thanks to the collaboration with cinematographer James Friend, who previously worked with Berger on “Western Front.” The cinematography beautifully captures both the glamour of the casinos and the gritty reality of Macau’s streets. Nevertheless, the film’s latter portion, although slightly more engaging, does not compensate for the preceding lack of momentum.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes, “Ballad of a Small Player” has received an R rating for language and themes of suicide. Although it offers a glimpse into the life of a gambling addict, it ultimately struggles to make a memorable impact.
“Ballad of a Small Player” is now available for streaming on Netflix as of October 29, 2023. Despite its visual appeal and the talents of its cast, the film may leave viewers feeling unfulfilled, much like Lord Doyle himself, who is left holding a losing hand.
