While the name Ben Mendelsohn may not sound familiar to all American audiences, this Australian actor will soon be a household name with his strong list of upcoming films. Besides being cast in the upcoming “Star Wars: Rogue One” stand-alone film, being nominated for an Emmy for his role in the Netflix hit “Bloodlines,” and starring in “The Dark Knight Rises,” Mendelsohn is now showing off some real acting chops alongside Ryan Reynolds. “Mississippi Grind” is the latest film from indie filmmakers Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden which follows a couple gamblers on their way to a big payday. Instead of taking the easy road, Fleck and Boden take the path less traveled and focus more on character development and texture than the actual gambling.
Gerry is an old dog. He knows his way around a deck of cards and has used that talent to make his way through many casinos and bars in his day. The shaggy appearance and aged look lend to the great performance from Mendelsohn in bringing this well-seasoned gambler to life. While trying to find a table that is calling out to him, Gerry stumbles across his newest good luck charm – a young, slick player named Curtis. Unlike Gerry, Curtis is fresher but still knows his way around the gambling scene. Reynolds does what he does best, and plays the suave Curtis as the mysterious wreck he is.
The film follows Gerry and Curtis as they travel to New Orleans for a big-stakes card game. Along the way, the pair must gamble and bet their way to obtain the $25,000 entry fee. If this sounds like well-worn territory, that’s because it is. The down-and-out gamblers seeking fame and fortune with one last big score, and the inevitable road trip that ensues, has been done to death. That’s why Fleck and Boden don’t focus on the used up aspects of the genre. This is where the filmmakers, as well as the film itself, show their real flair.
As we ride along with Gerry and Curtis, we learn more about them, their addictions, and their histories than we do about the big game in New Orleans. Stops along the way feature dark, deserted towns that seem to match the insides of our heroes. Besides cards, these two men must help one another settle old scores with exes and attempt to put their past to rest.
Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden built their careers on the Sundance favorite “Half Nelson” starring Ryan Gosling. The film featured Gosling as a teacher with a drug habit that becomes friends with a student after his secret is found out. Much like “Mississippi Grind,” the filmmakers worked within a well-worn genre, yet managed to flip it on its head. This has been both their gift, and their curse, for their short careers thus far.
There is a sense of predictability with “Mississippi Grind” that allows us to feel safe and comfortable in a genre we know and love. But Fleck and Boden’s ability to expand upon an exhausted storyline within these familiar confines keeps us gripped to our seats, even though the pacing of the film calls for a great deal of patience at times. For Mississippi Grind, it truly is the journey that matters, not the destination.
“Mississippi Grind” opens September 25th, in theaters nationwide. Thanks to a collaboration between A24 and DTV, “Mississippi Grind“ is available on demand through DirecTV now before its theatrical debut later this month.
– by Brittni Williams
