The Vortex

I went to see The Vortex during its limited run in Los Angeles not realizing the story would play out against the backdrop of the 1980 MGM Grand Hotel fire in Las Vegas, but I left very impressed with the execution by Richard Zelniker and the performance by Billy Gardell.

Zelniker presents a narrative that swirls with an intoxicatingly dizzying effect, telling a cautionary tale of a comedian, Pete, played by Gardell, struggling with gambling debt and admittedly in too deep with underworld associate and friend, Jimmy, played by Christopher Titus. The complicated dance that plays out from the beginning as Jimmy comes to collect is heightened by the passage of time as well as the eerie occurrences which give way to many jackpots throughout the night, spurred by repeat visits from a Paiute woman (Emily Alabi) on the casino floor. As Pete's desperation increases, the Steadicam shots seem faster, creating a vortex-like effect from which the film draws its name, only slowing as he addresses his shortcomings through conversations with other casino patrons and attempts to take control of his fate.

The film's commitment in its depiction of characters searching for redemption through gambling provides the a near-perfect level of dissonance and in turn evokes a sinking feeling through the last act.

The picture gives me hope that independent film will live on with convincingly good quality and is proof that period pieces are possible at any level. I believe it to be a must-see for audiences seeking heavy handed character-driven films.

This film was incredible in the sense that I was able to enter an era of which I've only heard in tales! I grew up going on Vegas trips with the family a couple times a year; but, I was born in 2001, so I've never seen Vegas in its 1980s glory. This movie transported me back to a time I did not know was so different, yet relatively so close to the present!

Along with the "nostalgia" (can I call it that?) it gave me watching "The Vortex," I couldn't help but notice the AMAZING score of the film. Seriously, BRAVO to everyone involved! I love me some classic, cool, smooth, and strong sounding tunes and "The Vortex" soundtrack did not disappoint.

The film was enthralling from its intro credits screen- which was giving Hitchcock- to the last shot of the movie (I won't say anymore for risk of spoiling it). I wasn't able to take my eyes off or even pause it to take a call (sorry Mom) because I was so invested in the storyline. Probably my Top 3 movies of the year- and it isn't 3!

Just got out a limited release screening for this film! Give it a spin and you can just get lucky! Awesome casting and direction. This film speaks to independent filmmaking and it has some great writing overall. It's really a must-see indy for those interested in character-driven stories and Billy G crushes the performance. He keeps us engaged and into it the whole way. Definitely will get a wider audience as it continues to build theaters. It's a must watch for those into re-living the period casino life with all the chaos that entailed for years Definitely consider taking a trip to go see this film when it comes to a city near you soon.

In this character driven "New Hollywood Cinema" style Indie gem, director Zelniker takes his time to dig deeply into a real-life crisis: gambling addiction. A star turning role for stand-up comic and sitcom actor Billy Gardell -- who handles a dramatic role like a seasoned vet -- as a likeable and sympathetic gambler who is in too deep with some shady characters. This richly stylized think piece is chock full of down on their luck working class characters that inhabit the world of "off the Strip" Vegas in the 1980s who are just trying to survive the daily grind of life. Plus, there's a touch of mysticism that provides some cinematic poetry seasoned with Indigenous spirituality. A beautiful film made for true cinema lovers.

If you're looking for something different and unique to cleanse your movie palate, look no further than, "The Vortex".

Co-written and directed by Richard Zelniker, this "Birdman" meets "The Gambler" takes us through a substory to the infamous MGM Grand fire of 1980 in Las Vegas.

Starring Billy Gardell as Pete, a down on his luck standup comedian with an un-ruly gambling addiction who thinks all his debt/problems can be solved with one pull of slot machine lever.

This film hooks you from the get go with its eerie ambience and lonesome tone right out the gate. Looming in our thoughts are the inevitable and catastrophic outcome we know of the fires that took the lives of 87 people and injured over 700.

The anticipation only builds not knowing where this story will take us with only just a few hours before the devastation. The intensity builds like the inferno that's coming with each passing character that engages Pete on the slots. Pete's a very likable guy but likes alone won't save him with the people he's mixed up with. With each coin inserted and crank of a lever, Pete's time and money is running out. Will his luck run out, too?

I highly recommend this movie if you appreciate good writing, swiftly flowing and moving cinematography, a beautifully composed score and great acting. (Seriously, every actor in this movie crushed it!).

Zelniker delivers a delight where indie films are much needed during these unforeseen times in the entertainment industry. It's an example of how to make an indie film that's rich with creativity and non-conformity. We desperately need more films of this structure and nature for the industry to thrive. Hopefully "The Vortex" will influence other filmmakers to go all in and lay their cards out there for something they believe in.

So follow my suit and check out, "The Vortex". It's a jackpot!