Any fan of action films will know that popular card games such as poker and blackjack often show up in many of these movies. The same is also true for other genres people like to watch, with westerns being a good example.
What is it about card games that makes them such a common choice for action and western directors?
Why card games are popular in certain genres
A major part of making a great movie is getting the right feel. For example, action films would not be as thrilling to watch without any fights, car chases, explosions, and a sense of drama. The same is true for westerns, where dramatic, tension-filled moments set the right tone.
Card games are widely used in these types of films because they are an easy, effective way to add drama into the script. This comes not only from the dialogue between characters when playing games but also the physical action they can lead to, such as a bar fight in a saloon when one player accuses another of cheating.
When you add in how the setting for card games in films can help evoke specific reactions from an audience or provide a certain feel, their predominance is understandable. Some of these tense, iconic scenes have served as inspiration for a wide range of casino games available online, which try to recreate a similar atmosphere. For those interested in delving into the same worlds as Maverick, Bond et al, you can sign up with Oddschecker for more details and take advantage of their bonus offers. Games like poker also serve as a handy pop culture reference and most audiences will already be familiar with the game, having played it online. This helps the film connect with viewers in a more meaningful, familiar way.
What are the best moments in action and western films involving card games?
To get a deeper sense of what these kinds of games bring to movies, it’s helpful to look at some standout moments involving them from top action and western flicks.
Maverick
This film starred Mel Gibson and was a Hollywood remake of the hit TV show. Gibson plays a card-playing conman who is hoping to collect enough money to take part in a high-stakes poker game. One of the best moments is during the final hand of this high-pressure game. The action culminates with Maverick winning the hand despite his opponents cheating and a suitably dramatic gun battle.
Casino Royale
A quick look at the latest action movie reviews shows that certain franchises remain popular. The James Bond films are a case in point and got a major reboot with Daniel Craig’s Casino Royale.
The Hangover
The Hangover was one of the standout action/comedy films of the noughties and left audiences with plenty to remember. The scene where Alan uses his card-counting skills to win big at blackjack is a great example and a real highlight of the movie.
He, along with Stu and Jade, hit the casino to raise the $80,000 needed to pay off a local gangster and rescue their friend Doug. In addition to the tension that builds with each hand and the swanky casino setting, the acting by Zach Galifianakis (who plays Alan in the film) is sensational to watch.
Card games a hit in action and western films
These movies provide great examples of why so many films include card games. As the film industry continues to develop great work, we expect to see even more movies in these genres use these games to create tense and dramatic scenes.