Hard Eight (1997)

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Paul Thomas Anderson Director

Also known as Sydney internationally, Hard Eight is Paul Thomas Anderson's directorial debut. Philip Baker Hall stars as the titular character, an aging gambler who takes a down on his luck hump (John C. Reilly) under his wing. But why? Backstories unravel in this Vegas drama (with some comedy.)

Reference: Double Indemnity

The John character says he doesn't carry matches because they explode in his pocket, which is the same reason Barton Keyes in "Double Indemnity" gives for not carrying matches.

Quote: John Finnegan

I will fuck you up if you fuck with me, OK? I know three kinds of Karate: Jujitsu, Aikido, and regular Karate.

4 More Quotes
Writers
Cast
Philip Baker Hall Sydney Brown
John C. Reilly John Finnegan
Gwyneth Paltrow Clementine
Samuel L. Jackson Jimmy
F. William Parker Hostage
Philip Seymour Hoffman Young Craps Player
Nathanael Cooper Restroom Attendant
Wynn White Waitress
Robert Ridgely Keno Bar Manager
Kathleen Campbell Keno Girl
See Full Credits

25 votes, 3.7 avg.

  • B-

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General Information Edit
Name Hard Eight
US Release Feb. 28, 1997
UK Release Oct. 17, 1997
AUS Release
Runtime 101
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Rating R
Alias(es) Sydney, hard 8
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  • In today's dollars
    Domestic $222,559
  • = total worldwide gross $222,559
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