Based on a true story, Owning Mahowny is an engaging drama about a gambling addict who continues to fund his habit with a few crafty decisions and a lot of luck until he hits the inevitable brick wall.
Films about addiction are many, but pulling off well takes a kind of finesse. Addiction comes in many forms and watching someone struggle lies heavily on the talent of the actor plus the world, score, and people around them. Luckily, there’s no doubting the talent of Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Owning Mahowny is a story about Dan Mahowny, a bank manager and gambling addict who funded his habit to the tune of around $10,000,000 in the early 1980s. Using other people’s accounts and being mistaken for a high roller at the casinos, Mahowny continues his escapade of trying to make money to chase the win and pay back what he owes until he finally reaches the inevitable consequences.
I actually did not expect to enjoy this film as much as I did. It is an incredibly well done drama and moves at an excellent pace. At the beginning of the film, I wondered how they could possibly keep the momentum going, but they do and it works.
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Dan is a schlubby guy with old clothing, a rundown car, and a briefcase that is falling apart. He has just received a promotion that has his girlfriend hoping that things could be looking up for them, but Dan is very secretive and she knows that he gambles at the track sometimes. What she doesn’t know is the extent of everything.
This movie gives you a very clear picture of what it is to be a gambling addict. Dan is unable to stop what he is doing, always chasing the win, understanding that you win and lose constantly, and no win is good enough. There is no limit (which happens to be the name of the book this is based on) and no real happiness. It is obsession that you see in his eyes and on his brow, never joy.
The overarching feelings of melancholy and stress come through in the score, Hoffman’s performance, and the reactions of his girlfriend and bookie. Even the bookie can’t quite understand the extent of Mahowny’s addiction while he’s making money off of him. It is bigger than everyone and everything.
Along with John Hurt’s casino manager, who is a bit of a caricature, and Minnie Driver’s girlfriend character, it is really Hoffman who steals this show. And with Atlantic City ultimately naming a day after this gambler each year, Owning Mahowny is a compelling ride that will engage you from beginning to end.
Runtime: 105 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: R
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Available: Free on Roku, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
Films about addiction are many, but pulling off well takes a kind of finesse. Addiction comes in many forms and watching someone struggle lies heavily on the talent of the actor plus the world, score, and people around them. Luckily, there’s no doubting the talent of Philip Seymour Hoffman.
