Philip Seymour Hoffman would’ve been 56 years young today, July 23, 2023, so let’s feature one of cinema’s greatest actors with one of the man’s very best performances.
“Owning Mahowny” (2003) – Philip Seymour Hoffman is mesmerizing as Dan Mahowny, an ordinary Toronto bank executive with an extraordinary gambling problem. Director Richard Kwietniowski leads us down a torturous path as we watch Mahowny cause his own problems solely through his addiction.
While witnessing his painful descent, you’ll literally scream at the screen for Mahowny to snap out his constant and never-ending hunger to place his next bet.
Hoffman plays Mahowny as a quiet, nondescript, and paunchy office dweller who shows little emotion. During big money swings – in either direction – his mouth is closed, his head is slightly tilted and pointed downward while constantly adjusting his glasses so they don’t slide down his face.
Dubbed the “Ice Man”, he’s a welcomed guest by any casino manager, ones like Victor Foss (John Hurt), because of Mahowny’s sole focus, his need.
You know what they say in the gambling world: the house usually wins.
Or does it?
⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Directed by: Richard Kwientiowski
Written by: Gary Stephen Ross and Maurice Chauvet
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Hurt, and Minnie Driver
Runtime: 104 minutes
Rated: R
Image credits: Sony Pictures Classics
