Set against a less than flattering backdrop of Blair’s Britain, this sophisticated, intriguing (and initially underrated) noir by Bristol-born director Mike Hodges (Get Carter, Flash Gordon) went on to launch actor Clive Owen into international stardom.

Jack (Owen) is an aspiring writer going nowhere fast until his estranged father lands him a job as a croupier in a London casino - a job that will gradually take over his life. In a serious violation of casino rules, Jack starts to see down-on-her-luck gambler Jani (Alex Kingston) outside of working hours. When Jani unveils her plan to rob the casino, Jack carefully considers the odds; it all looks so simple, but even a professional like Jack can't predict the cards he will be dealt...

The odds are that you won't have seen Croupier at the cinema. When it was originally released in 1999, for some reason, it wasn't given a major UK release by Film Four despite critical acclaim. However, when it hit US screens, its reputation gathered momentum and it went on to become an arthouse hit. This 20th anniversary screening gives us an opportunity to reflect on the vagaries of the film business and Hodges' relationship with the art of cinema.

35mm print c/o Park Circus.

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