Ballad of a Small Player is a lot like stepping through the front doors of a casino - Endless flashing lights, the whizzing, clinking and beeping of countless gaming machines, and of course, the tantalizing possibility of winning big. While Edward Berger’s latest isn’t a total bust, it feels like the cinematic equivalent of breaking even.
Colin Farrell plays a degenerate gambling addict, passing himself off as a wealthy high-roller. Forever chasing a big win, pushing himself further into debt, he finds himself in an uncontrollable nosedive trying to keep his head above water. The film touches on themes of addiction, greed and guilt, but it barely scratches the surface of what should’ve been a far more interesting character study. We’ve seen these ideas explored before in better films, and this one adds absolutely nothing new or of value to the conversation.
It’s a perfect example of style over substance, and to a certain degree, it’s effective. Berger has re-teamed with cinematographer James Friend and composer Volker Bertelmann, both of whom did tremendous work on All Quiet on the Western Front. Bertelmann also composed Conclave’s exceptional score. With that kind of talent behind the lens, this movie isn’t lacking in visual or auditory flair. From the neon drenched streets of Lisboa to the coastal fishing villages of Macau, there’s endless breathtaking scenery to take in. Bertelmann’s booming score is in-your face, sometimes a little much, but fitting for what the movie is about.
Colin Farrell’s performance is big, bold and beautifully eccentric. He mirrors the flashy energy of the movie, teetering on the edge of over-acting, but demonstrating enough restraint to keep his performance mesmerizing rather than hammy. He captures Lord Doyle’s desperate, maddening, sweaty descent into debt really well, giving the viewer a sobering taste of his crippling anxiety. Tilda Swinton is here too, but she’s sadly wasted in a role without enough screen time for her talents. The dynamic between her character and Lord Doyle could’ve ratcheted up the stress even more, but she comes off as more of a passive threat rather than an immediate one.
If you were expecting another jackpot from Edward Berger with his recent hot streak, perhaps you should lower your bet. Ballad of a Small Player may look like a high roller on the surface, but its narrative and thematic pockets are just about empty.
2.5/5
Review by: Benjamin Garrett