by Alex Truman
Australia is the largest gambling capital in the world, maybe because of its rebellious spirit, or because of an extraordinary marketing campaign, or maybe because it is just a cherished cultural tradition… The thing is that gambling is an important part of the Australian culture.
As gambling is prevalent in Australia, it is no surprise that the subject has played an important role in several Aussie films. The country has to its credit a fine menu of gambling movies, some of which have become classics.
A fun fact is that most of these films accurately portray the high demand for slots machines and gambling games in Australia since the 1960s, which has not decreased at all, as the same demand exists today. In fact, thanks to technology, players can access tons of real money slots and gambling games on legit online casino Australia sites.
Wake in Fright (1971)
This movie is based on the novel written by Kenneth Cook, and it tells the story of John Grant, a young rural school teacher in Tiboonda, visiting the little community of Bundanyabba Australia, where locals spend their days mostly drinking and gambling. At first, John disapproves of the locals, but, as time passes by, he becomes one of them. He becomes part of a group that includes the local policeman, Jock Crawford, ‘Doc’ Tydon, and his mates, Joe and Dick. This slow-paced movie allows the viewers to immerse themselves into the brutal and degrading experience the protagonist goes through, triggering self-loathing, murderous rage and suicidal tendencies.
This movie has spectacular photography, which enables a true feeling of the geographical isolation this place generates, and of the heat of the Australian summer. You can watch Wake in Fright on Netflix; the special edition for the 40th anniversary of the movie.
Oscar and Lucinda (1997)
This film is an adaptation of the novel by Peter Carey, directed by the award-winning Australian Gillian Armstrong, and featuring a talented Australian and British cast and crew. Oscar is played by multiple Academy Award-nominee Ralph Fiennes and Lucinda by multiple Academy Award-winner Cate Blanchett. The film is set in the mid-1800s, that introduces a young priest from England named Oscar Hopkins, who gambles strategically to win, in order to spend the winnings on charity; and an Australian heiress of a large fortune and glass factory owner named Lucinda Leplastrier
They both enjoy gambling and are avid casino players, so they meet and bond over a game of cards on a ship traveling from England to Australia.
When Oscar becomes broke, he ends up working in Lucinda’s factory. After a crazy bet proposed by Lucinda, a series of dramatic and romantic events unfold changing their lives forever.
This is one of the star casino movies from Australia; although it wasn’t a huge success it was very well received for its wagering storyline. The performances of both protagonists was praised, and it received a nomination for Best Costume Design at the 1998 Academy Awards.
Dirty Deeds (2002)
Of the many movies set in Australia; this one is particularly set in Sydney in 1969, and it is directed by David Caesar. This movie is based on a fast-talking gangster named Barry Ryan, who runs several underground casinos, which are doing particularly well because of the influx of US soldiers on rest and recreation from the Vietnam War, who are drawn to his gambling venues. However, the Chicago Mafia hears about Ryan’s success and sends two hitmen to Sydney in order to “persuade” Ryan to share his business.
Dirty Deeds is headlined by a solid cast which includes Australian and American actors, like Bryan Brown as Barry Ryan, Toni Collette, and Sam Worthington. With Sam Neill playing Detective Ray Murphy, and John Goodman and Felix Williamson as the hitmen. The movie had a good critical response and it was generally well-received, especially in Australia. Today, it remains a great movie with one of the most compelling crime stories related to the world of gambling.
