Matt Damon and Ed Norton: On September 11, the 25th anniversary of Rounders, often called the best poker movie ever made, was celebrated.
This famous movie, which starred the always-famous Matt Damon and Ed Norton, didn’t start with a soaring rise at the box office. But its fate was closely tied to the sudden rise in fame of poker in the early 2000s, which made it a beloved cult classic. An essential part of this story was a fateful introduction in which the movie’s main characters were thrown into the action-packed WSOP Main Event in 1998.
Damon’s entry, which was just one of many, had the number 165, and Norton’s, the 166th entrant, was right behind it. There were 350 players in the game, and all wanted to be famous poker players. Norton’s plans, on the other hand, were cut short when he ran right into a solid whole house. That day, it seemed like the poker gods were not on his side.
Even worse things happened when Damon met his fate. Six hours into the nonstop fighting on Day 1, he found himself in a high-stakes battle with Doyle Brunson, one of the most famous poker players in the world.
Damon talked about how he felt during this troubled time in an attractive behind-the-scenes segment on the Rounders DVD. He thought, “Sitting next to these guys is like playing basketball against Michael Jordan.” “You know you won’t win, but it will be an experience you’ll never forget. And the excitement, when you put all your money on the line, your heart rate goes crazy.”
Also Read: 25 Years of Rounders: Johnny Chan’s Memorable Encounter with Matt Damon
Leading up to the WSOP Main Event, legends of the game like Phil Hellmuth and Johnny Chan, who later made a cameo in the movie, gave wise advice. Damon reflected on the lessons from those meetings, especially Hellmuth’s advice about the kings, the most powerful cards in the poker deck. Damon explained, “He said, ‘I lost with kings once, seven years ago.’ He plays 12 hours daily, so his chances of losing with kings are meager.” “So, after six hours, I looked down at my hand and saw two kings. I was in a bad spot, so it was a good chance to make a score.”
Damon was in the last spot and thought he was ready for what he thought could be a successful move. A raise, a raise, and then the loud crescendo: the famous Doyle Brunson made his risky move. Damon instantly chose to go for it with everything he had and challenge Brunson. But, alas, the poker gods had other plans for the story.
When the cards were shown, the famous Brunson saw the unbeatable aces. It was the cruelest turn of events in the history of poker. Damon lost all of his chips and all of his hopes. Still, Damon’s spirit was unbreakable, and when he lost, he said with a smile, “I’m now the best poker player in my weekly game.”
Rounders have become a part of poker lore, both on and off the big screen. Its lasting legacy combines the movie’s brilliance and the real-life drama and emotion that happened while it was made. In poker, as in life, the flip of a card can change your luck, and Matt Damon’s poker journey was a memorable part of the great story of Rounders.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the gambling movie with Matt Damon and Edward Norton?
Rounders, a gripping 1998 American drama flick, delves into the clandestine realm of high-stakes poker. Directed by John Dahl and featuring the talented duo of Matt Damon and Edward Norton, the movie revolves around two buddies who find themselves in a tight spot and must win big at poker to settle a hefty debt. With its intense storyline and superb acting, Rounders is a must-watch for all poker enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.
What is the famous line from Rounders?
Poker is the name of the game, not hold’em or stud. As the saying goes, if you can’t identify the sucker at the table within the first 30 minutes, it’s probably you. Remember, it’s not about how much you win, but how much you can leave with.
What was KGB’s tell in Rounders?
Teddy KGB had a unique tell that gave away his bluffing. Whenever he had nothing, he would break open his Oreo cookies but not eat them. However, when he had a winning hand, he would not only break open the Oreos but also devour them. This peculiar behavior was a clear indication of his hand strength at the poker table.
Is Rounders a good poker movie?
For poker enthusiasts, this movie is a must-watch as it offers a captivating glimpse into the world of poker. The film’s ability to transport us into a different world and provide an in-depth understanding of its workings is truly remarkable. Thanks to the brilliant screenplay by David Levien and Brian Koppelman, and Dahl’s masterful direction, the movie is a treat for the senses. Whether you’re a seasoned poker player or a novice, this movie is sure to leave you thoroughly entertained.