description Hard Eight Overview
Hard Eight is a 1996 crime drama directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film expands upon his earlier short, “Cigarettes & Coffee,” focusing on an unlikely connection between a seasoned gambler and a transient individual. It premiered at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival and stars Philip Baker Hall and John C. Reilly.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
info Hard Eight Specifications
| Country | United States |
| Year | 1996 |
help Hard Eight FAQ
Is Hard Eight available to stream?
Hard Eight (also released under the title 'Sydney') has appeared on streaming platforms including The Criterion Channel, though availability changes frequently. It can typically be rented or purchased digitally through Amazon, Apple TV, and other VOD services.
Was Hard Eight Paul Thomas Anderson's first feature film?
Yes, Hard Eight was Paul Thomas Anderson's feature directorial debut, expanding on his short film 'Cigarettes & Coffee.' It premiered at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival and established Anderson as a distinctive voice before he went on to direct Boogie Nights and Magnolia.
Why was Hard Eight originally titled 'Sydney'?
Paul Thomas Anderson's original title was 'Sydney,' named after Philip Baker Hall's lead character, a veteran gambler who mentors a young drifter. The distributor changed the title to 'Hard Eight' for commercial release, a decision Anderson was reportedly unhappy with at the time.
Who stars in Hard Eight alongside Philip Baker Hall?
The cast includes John C. Reilly as the young drifter whom Sydney takes under his wing, Gwyneth Paltrow as a cocktail waitress, and Samuel L. Jackson in a pivotal supporting role. The ensemble was assembled before several of them became major stars.
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