The 2012 film was directed by Stephen Frears and is based on Beth Raymer’s memoir of the same title, Lay of the Favorite. It attempts to bring the high-stakes and unpredictable world of land-based and online sports betting to life. The film starred recognizable actors in the Hollywood industry, including Rebecca Hall, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bruce Willis, and Vince Vaughn. It follows Beth (Rebecca Hall), a former stripper who dives into the gambling industry under the mentorship of seasoned bookie, Dink Heimowitz (Bruce Willis).
This film intends to explore the complexities of betting culture with charm and humour. How well did it deliver in terms of narrative? Does the portrayal in the movie resonate with enthusiasts familiar with the gambling industry? All of these questions and more are things we’ll be giving responses to as we review this film.
Overview
Beth Raymer, a free-spirited young woman from Florida, has dreams of a better life, promoting her to move to Las Vegas. On getting there, she soon lands a job working for Dink Heimowitz, a professional gambler with a reputation for sharp wagering. Despite her novelty in this world, she swiftly proves to be a natural in the fast-paced world of sports betting, earning Dink’s trust.
However, conflicts arise when Dink’s wife, Tulip (Catherine Zeta-Jones), becomes jealous and wary of his relationship with Beth. Caught between his professional relationship with Beth and his marriage, Dink chose the latter. After pushing her away, Beth moves to New York, where she gets involved with a less ethical bookie in shady operations, Rosie (Vince Vaughn). The plot reflects Beth’s journey as she navigates the highs and lows of the gambling landscape while searching for personal purpose and fulfillment.
Strong Assets of the Film
Rebecca Hall’s portrayal of Beth Raymer is the film’s strength. She brings an enthusiastic energy to the role, making Beth both a charming character and naive but not entirely clueless. Her ability to balance lightheartedness with moments of self-awareness and introspection keeps her engaging, even when the script falters. Additionally, her chemistry with Brice Willis, even though not certainly deep, is enough to showcase the mentor-protégé uniqueness.
Unlike the darker and more intense portrayal of gambling in other films like Casino and Uncut Gems, Lay the Favorite depicts the sports betting world with a breezy and comedic tone. This approach makes it accessible to audiences who are familiar with the industry. Although, this was done at the expense of depth and authenticity. The film shows betting as fast-paced and thrilling but never truly dangerous. This portrayal makes it an easy-going watch for interested parties.
Furthermore, Bruce Willis fits the role of Dink (a world-weary but sharp gambler who takes Beth under his wing), even though it is not his most memorable performance. Catherine Zeta-Jones adds flair and drama as his controlling wife, Tulip, despite her chartering being one-dimensional. Similarly, Vince Vaughn’s depiction of the loud and reckless bookie Rosie adds some energy and humour to the film, making his character lean more into the caricature dimension.
The Not-So-Good Aspects of the Film
One of the biggest issues with the film is its inability to find a consistent tone. It went on and on trying to merge comedy with drama and romance but never committed to any one of these genres. Scenes that ought to carry emotional weight, like Beth’s struggles with loyalty and trust, are often downplayed by lightheartedness. Therefore, making the humour feel out of place in moments that ought to carry more tension.
In addition, for a film centered on sports gambling, it didn’t deeply dig into the complexities of the professional. Of course, we see Beth learning how to calculate odds and place wagers. However, the film shies away from exploring the true essence of sports betting. We saw no real sense of the strategies, risks, or psychological turmoil that comes with the job.
Underdeveloped Plot
Despite being a solid cast, the characters lacked depth. Dink, played by Bruce Willis, is supposed to be a conflicted mentor. However, his character never fully develops beyond the surface level. His relationship with Beth has hints of emotional complexity, like respect plus room for possible romance. Yet, the film never explored it in a meaningful way. Likewise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, who plays Tulip, Dink’s wife, is reduced to a stereotypical jealous wife, leaving her relationship with her husband undercooked. Beth’s romance with journalist Jeremy (Joshua Jackson) is also so underdeveloped that it feels like an afterthought instead of a meaningful path of her journey.
In a nutshell, the film’s plot wanders without a clear sense of purpose. Although Beth’s transition from an outsider to an insider in the gambling world is interesting, there is no strong core conflict or emotional stakes. The story simply moves from one scenario to the other without a clear direction. By the time the film is concluded, nothing has changed, making it somewhat unsatisfying.
Comparison to Other Gambling Films
In the broader depiction of gambling films, Lay the Favorite remains dynamic for its lighthearted and superficial scenes. It lacks the stakes to make gambling feel exciting or dangerous compared to the tension and psychological depth of films like Uncut Gems or Rounders. Even in comedic gambling films, it still doesn’t hold a candle to options like The Cooler, which successfully merges humour with emotional weight. Consequently, the film feels more like a quirky character piece than an insightful dig into the gambling landscape.
A Light, Easy, and Breezy Take on Sports Gambling
Lay the Favorite had all it takes to be an engaging film with its unique premise, strong cast, and talented director. However, it fails to capitalize on it. Despite being an enjoyable film with moments of charm, it lacks depth, tension, and character development to truly make it compelling. For those looking for a gripping and immersive exploration of betting culture, the film falls short. However, if you want an easy watch and depiction of sports gambling, Lay the Favorite can be mildly entertaining. So, happy Viewing!
