There is a fathomless wisdom to The Card Counter which informs every frame. On the surface, it concerns William Tell, an ex-military interrogator and professional card player. Someone Oscar Isaac embodies with a stoic detachment, which ties in with the glacial pacing determined by writer-director Paul Schrader.
In the industry, Schrader is known for his long-term collaborations with Martin Scorsese, who executive produces on this project. The industry vet’s need to examine human weakness, personal belief systems and how they can corrupt or enlighten, has informed much of his work. From the nightmare dreamscape of Nicolas Cage headliner Bringing Out The Dead, to cinematic icons such as Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, the theme is pervasive.
Read more at: https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/the-card-counter-review/