478 times around the block, for a chunk of money – diepresse.com

It is not a news that the US cinema has lost ease, and for some time. The number of commercially successful films from the United States, which is not about saving the nation, the world or the entire universe, has been steadily falling since the 1990s. The nineties were a heyday of the so-called « Slacker » film. At that time, the genre, which his lack of interest in dramaturgical urgency was in front of him, was still able to record the cash register for himself-around 1992, when the comedy « Wayne’s World » by Penelope Spheeris (over two Knuffig-stupid rock fans on the gegen) unexpectedly found itself in the American cinema charts.

« Slacker »-US slang for bums, bumper, good-for-nothing-served as an umbrella term for a narrative style that preferred the loose and relaxed, the targetless and unfinished. Who refused to do big « heroic trips » with a strict control drama. And which automatically shifted the narrative focus from single fighters on ensembles and network of relationships. One cannot say that Thomas Woschitz’s “The Million Dollar Bet” seamlessly connects to this tradition. For this, the title -giving bet that the film is about is much too big, targeted and pointed. But basically she only remains accessories in a refreshingly calm story about friendship, family, gambling and endurance sports.

Las Vegas, very unglamorous

The fact that the 57-year-old Klagenfurt Woschitz has now made a complete feature film in the USA for the first time seems coherent. Even his previous work (« Universalove », « Bad Luck ») breathed the melancholy spirit of the casual nineties « indie » cinema from overseas. « The Million Dollar Bet », with the support of Woschitz ‘tribe producer Gabriele Kranzelbinder, who even led this time « co-director » plays in Las Vegas. However, not in its shimmering center, but in the unglamorous historical district of Beverly Green. And although the beginning of the film (with a car accident and philosophizing off voice) is reminiscent of Martin Scorseses Nevada Höllentrip « Casino », it is ultimately far less abyss.

The plot rolls or better into the race brings a bet between friends Hank (Douglas Smith) and Jack (Justin Cornwell). One spontaneously claims to be able to run 70 miles in 24 hours without training or experience – 478 rounds around the block of the house, which they inhabit together. The other reluctantly accepts. Both are professional “gamblers” who earn their money with poker. But while the mercury -like cross -border commuter Hank has the feeling that it is senselessly drifting through life, the Jack reason seems to have everything under control. From the beginning it is clear that this Hasard is more about money or the bare kick that resonates personal.

However, excitement in the hall should ensure that Hank continues to drift the bet – and at the same time struggles with his extremist Tour de Force in mortal danger. To make matters worse, a huge (and somewhat symbolic) sandstorm is brewed over the desert location. Fortunately, Woschitz are much more important the interpersonal storms in the area of ​​the betting. Will Hank’s buddy tackle with his pragmatic sister? Will Hank’s strict mother support him in the crazy action? Will Jack finally learn to let go? The most beautiful symbol of the down -to -earthness, which « The Million Dollar Bet » preserves despite the « high quota » of his action, is a worn out couch: it stands on the street in front of Hank’s house and offers support figures the opportunity to observe his existential self -experiment – if you feel like it. And when there is just enough space.