Losing Ground

In translating his play to film, Bryan Wizemann avoids the staginess that mars most cinematic adaptations of staged work. He is well supported by his actors, each of whom fully inhabits their characters' sense of desperation and addiction. A gambling bar in Vegas provides the claustrophobic setting for a group of addicts' Pavlovian responses to the potential big score their video poker machines may hold. The drama unfolds in real time without a specific narrative line, but Wizemann's screenplay peppers the journey with subtle road signs that clue us into the characters' back story, flaws and motivation. From the hardened, seasoned vet (Monique Vukovic) to the desperate fading beauty way in over her head (Eileen O'Connell), Losing Ground pulls no punches in depicting how the sadomasochistic cycle of addiction entraps all who fall into its downward spiral. Wizemann's subtle character piece ultimately hinges on the blatant actions of a clichéd mystery man (the cowboy symbolism is way too obvious), but the last line of his film smacks with a bitter irony that redeems the work. 7.5 out of 10.

This is one of the best best films I have seen in 2005 but unfortunately most viewers will never see it. It is not "big", or flashy. It does not have any "stars" but it is skillfully put together. All of the components, acting, directing, cinematography and editing make this a movie well worth the effort it will take to find it. It is based on a play, it happens in real time, in a Video Poker bar and is a very sad commentary on gambling and the toll it takes on those unable to control it. It is entertaining and disturbing. I live in Las Vegas and the character portrayals are real. These people exist. They are your neighbors and friends. With legalized gambling growing everywhere in the US lawmakers should be required to see this film to see the toll gambling can take even when carefully monitored.