Aaron Sorkin is easily the most dynamic writer in the industry, with his trademark fast-talking dialogue being the basis of some of the decade’s finest films (The Social Network, Moneyball, and Steve Jobs). As the scribe and first-time director of Molly’s Game, Sorkin creates an absorbing look into the gambling underbelly and woman who managed it all.
Molly’s Game is based on the life of Molly Bloom, a perennial overachiever who gets involved in a underground gambling racket for celebrities. The film follows Bloom’s astronomic rise to wealth and power, as well as the constant threat of the government taking it all a way.
I can understand why to some Sorkin is an acquired taste, as his style of writing is ultra aggressive and in your face. For me, I love the Olympic-like sprint Sorkin makes his actors go through, capturing internal thought with fierce and often times clever dialogue. As someone who knows very little about poker, Sorkin introduces the game and the degenerate underbelly that follows it in such a vibrant and detail way that it brings the subject to life. At the same time, Sorkin knows capturing his subject is most important, giving us insight into Bloom’s highs and lows along the way.
Sorkin thankfully matches his writing with equally-kinetic direction. From a visual perspective, Sorkin feels right at home in his debut effort, as he and cinematographer Charlotte Bruus Christensen capture the high-stakes game and the pulsating tension that comes along with it. As far as pace goes, Sorkin keeps the story moving, with its 2 hour plus running time flying by.
Performance-wise, the A-list cast brings their best to this material. Jessica Chastain is fantastic as always, bringing a commanding presence as go-getter Molly Bloom. Chastain is able to cool and confident when need be, but also show Bloom’s insecurities that are buried underneath that facade. Idris Elba, Michael Cera, and Kevin Costner all deliver solid work in their supporting roles.
While Sorkin shows a lot of confidence as a director, his script has a few noticeable weak spots. The third act in particular here isn’t quite as sharp as Sorkin’s finest films, as it feels the need to explain the emotional thrust of the film through obvious speeches. While I think a lot of the emotional nuances still ring true, its disappointing to see it executed in such a clunky manor. Its also a questionable in a film that is about Bloom’s empowerment that she needs two of the male characters to explain to her what her purpose.
Molly’s Game may not be among Aaron Sorkin’s best films, but its yet another sharply written biopic that features equal parts style and substance.