Synopsis
Hard Eight follows Sydney, a seasoned and enigmatic gambler who takes a young drifter named John under his wing, teaching him how to survive in the casino world. As John falls in love with a cocktail waitress and befriends a volatile small-time crook, a troubling connection between Sydney and John's past slowly surfaces. The film is a quiet, tension-filled character study anchored by Philip Baker Hall's commanding performance.
Did You Know?
- Paul Thomas Anderson's feature directorial debut film.
- Originally titled 'Sydney' after the main character.
- Filmed in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Philip Baker Hall and Anderson had previously collaborated on a short film.
- The studio recut the film, angering Anderson greatly.
Iconic Quotes
- You don't have to talk to them like that. I'm just saying.
- A good man is always going to do what he can for people he respects.
- You let me tell you something. I know how this goes.
- You always smoke after you eat? I always smoke.
- You can always depend on me to be straight with you.
