The Card Player
The Card Player

Movie spotlight

The Card Player

2004
Movie
103 min
Italian

Policewoman Anna Mari is forced to play a dangerous game with the title serial killer. If she loses, she witnesses the maniac's tortured victims having their throats cut in explicit close-up detail via webcam. She teams up with British cop John Brennan to find out the identity of the murderer.

Insights

IMDb5.4/10
Google Users60%
Director: Dario ArgentoGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A serial killer, known as the 'Card Player', kidnaps women and forces them to play a deadly game of poker. If they win, they are released; if they lose, they are killed. A police detective, aided by the killer's ex-girlfriend, races against time to stop the killings before another victim is claimed.

Critical Reception

The Card Player received a mixed to negative reception from critics. While some praised Dario Argento's signature visual style and suspenseful atmosphere, many found the plot convoluted and the violence gratuitous. Audience reactions were similarly divided, with some appreciating its return to Argento's giallo roots and others criticizing its perceived lack of originality and coherence.

What Reviewers Say

  • Argento's visual flair is present, but the narrative falters.

  • The film relies heavily on predictable twists and gore.

  • While attempting a return to classic giallo, it doesn't quite reach the heights of Argento's earlier work.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a decent, albeit flawed, thriller with some suspenseful moments. However, many felt the plot was predictable and the character development weak.

Fun Fact

The film features a cameo by Argento's daughter, Asia Argento, who also starred in his previous film 'Sleepless'.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
JPV852

JPV852

I liked elements of this crime-thriller from Dario Argento that has some genuine suspense however there are many scenes that are silly and makes little sense. But I liked the cast, namely Stefania Rocca and Liam Cunningham, who were great t...