Adapted from the novel by Lawrence Osborne, “Ballad of a Small Player” follows Reilly, aka Lord Doyle (Colin Farrell), a gambling addict and grifter. He’s gone into hiding in Macau and gained notoriety as a local legend for all the wrong reasons. A pursuit ensues when he runs into Cynthia (Tilda Swinton), a debt collector who is tailing him. Later, he’s is drawn to enigmatic casino employee Dao-Ming (Fala Chen) who is drowning in debts herself. Both abrupt incidents force the faux Lord’s hand, resulting in a change of heart and a quest to pay his dues. But is Doyle’s effort at atonement a little too late, and is he even worthy of redemption?
Drawing on Macanese folklore, “Ballad of a Small Player” is a ghost story that doubles as a morality tale—and furthermore a complex character study of the gambler who doesn’t know when to fold. Much like the unappeased spirits worshipped by locals during their traditional Festival of the Hungry Ghosts, Lord Doyle is restless due to heavy spending and unsettled hotel bills, especially as he runs out of final chances. Due to its nuanced depiction of a flawed man who is repenting for his sins, stuck in a metaphorical limbo and on a downward spiral, it can also be likened to another Colin Farrell-starrer, “In Bruges.”
Of Bad Habits and a Way Out
Apart from examining Doyle’s moral bankruptcy, “Ballad” also touches on a lingering colonial hangover with Macau. This is presented as an echo chamber for gluttonous, mostly Caucasian expats such as Doyle and fellow swindler Adrian Lippett (Alex Jennings), as a mecca to feed growing addictions. The protagonist self-identifies as a ‘gwei-lo’—a local slur for foreigners that traces its roots to British colonialism and translates to demon—but which an arrogant Doyle reclaims. For him, the term is a cloak of invisibility. It renders him a ghost, untouchable and who can disappear as he wishes, or continue indulging in games of power play on foreign soil. Yet he couldn’t be more wrong. Thus, it feels particularly satisfying when a local widow calls Doyle’s bluff and beats him in a series of card games—karmic justice for previously swindling an elderly lady back in the U.K.
Similar to the mirrored faces of monarchs that adorn playing cards, the characters in the film showcase a duality, as they are complex and colourful. This is particularly true of Doyle, who oscillates between occasional hints of remorse before reverting back to his old habits. He experiences the highs and the lows of his crippling addiction once all his tricks run out or when his excuses are used against him. The city of Macau serves as a character, with many shades to it as well—it serves as both a hell and a paradise for those easily lured by the siren call of its gambling dens. The movie also highlights this duality of the so-called ‘Las Vegas of the East,’ depicting the co-existence of culture and traditions alongside consumerism, materialism, and greed. These are only separated by a body of water where many debt-ridden individuals eventually meet a watery grave.
Tilda Swinton and Farrell are Likable
The vibrant and beautiful visuals of “Ballad of A Small Player” contrast and complement the ugly lifestyles led by its characters, and colour theory is exceptionally woven into its storytelling. The film boasts a colour palette of red, green, and shades of yellow/gold—conveying not just opulence, but ultimately a sense of impending, seemingly-endless doom or unease. An instance of the same can be witnessed in a shot of Doyle descending an escalator that leads into a casino—while drenched in amber lighting—akin to him entering a metaphorical hell.
Farrell has previously playing characters who share traits similar to Lord Doyle such as Oswald Cobblepot, the underdog-turned-arrogant villain in “The Penguin” and Ray from the aforementioned “In Bruges.” Here he goes all in (pun intended) once again in his performance as the gloved gambler. He treads the line between an irredeemable criminal and a sympathetic addict wrought by agony from his own vices. He’s overwhelmed by a guilty conscience yet simultaneously flaunting a smug and gloating smile when confronted, too prideful to actually admit his guilt.
Thrills and Surrealistic Undertones
Tilda Swinton matches steps with Farrell (quite literally in a post credits scene as well) as Cynthia (aka Betty) who is relentless yet endearing and quirky without going overboard. Fala Chen (as Dao-Ming) and Deanie Ip offer formidable supporting performances. The latter especially effortlessly exudes demure and devilish energy as the unnamed widow/grandma who proves to be a challenge for Doyle.
“Ballad of a Small Player” offers thrills and horrors with surrealistic undertones and visual storytelling. It’s very much in a similar vein to “The Substance,” but with Barrarat instead of Botox. If you crave psychological films with tones of commentary alongside it, “Ballad of a Small Player” should sufficiently scratch the itch.
“Ballad of a Small Player is streaming on Netflix.”
