Hard Eight
Paul Thomas Anderson's original title for this film was "Sydney". Since it was his first film, and he had basically no control over it (much less final cut, like he's had on his other features since), Rysher Entertainment re-cut the film and retitled it "Hard Eight". This enraged Anderson, and through many talks and deals, he convinced the studio to let him release his cut, but with the new title "Hard Eight". Anderson later said this experience taught him that doing your best to make the best possible movie was only "half the job" when being a director. The other half was dealing with all of the egos involved.,At 30: The craps table that Sydney walks by shows players cheering, but the cover (lid) and count slip are on top. If it were a real game there would be no cover.,Sydney: You know the first thing they should've taught you at hooker school? You get the money up front!,Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Private Parts/Hard Eight/Donnie Brasco/Smilla's Sense of Snow/Booty Call (1997),Christmastime
Music by Jon Brion and Michael Penn
Performed by Aimee Mann and Michael Penn,This first film from Paul Thomas Anderson shows the promise he would later fulfill with BOOGIE NIGHTS. The writing here is as sharp as it was in the later film, but it must be said as a director, he sometimes lets scenes go on too long (ironic that BOOGIE NIGHTS, which is a longer film, is also a tighter one). The main connection between both films is Anderson's obvious affection for his characters. Also the relationship between Sydney and John doesn't turn out the way you'd expect. And Anderson is to be commended for avoiding melodrama.

Philip Baker Hall is one of those actors who you may not know by name, but when you see him you instinctively feel he's right for the part, no matter how small. This is one of his rare leading roles, and he's perfect, showing the character's success and also his loneliness, without sentimentalizing it. John C. Reilly is properly eager and naive as John. Samuel L. Jackson is dependable here, and Gwyneth Paltrow proves she doesn't need a British accent to give a good performance. She and Jackson should also be commended for backing Anderson when he had problems with the studio.,