Dead Money is an upcoming high-stakes poker movie, which revolves around a professional poker player whose life goes haywire after he steals money from the wrong people. Luc Walpoth directed the movie, while Josh Wilcox penned down the script. In an interview with CardPlayer, Wilcox revealed some insights regarding the inspiration for this poker drama and more.
Poor Representation of Poker in Hollywood
Josh Wilcox, a screenwriter and poker consultant, said it’s hard to stay authentic while keeping the audience entertained. Poker isn’t what Hollywood shows to the world. It shows an over-the-top poker, which isn’t possible in real life. Wilcox took the example of Casino Royale, which he believed to be entertaining but a little clichéd. “Casino Royale is great in providing entertainment, but the poker scenes are way over the top unrealistic,” Wilcox said.
Matching the Rounders
Wilcox is hoping that Dead Money will get the same recognition and love as the Rounders got. He also told that he has watched the ‘Rounders’ several times because of its authentic representation of poker while also being entertaining. Wilcox said he was on the set of Dead Money every day to make sure the movie stayed grounded. He also added that the producers are into poker and wanted authenticity wherever possible, which includes finding real tables, real shuffling machines, and cards and chips that players use in poker.
Taking Inspiration from Own Life
Josh Wilcox himself is a professional poker player who juggles between playing poker and film-making. While working at CNN, in his free time, Wilcox plays freeroll poker tournaments in bars and restaurants. Because of his play, someone invited Wilcox to a private home game, and he soon began making more money from poker than what he used to get from his job. The home game experience of Wilcox always stayed with him and served as the inspiration to make Dead Money.
Josh Wilcox is hoping that the poker fraternity enjoys watching the film. Dead Money’s trailer is out on YouTube and is going to release on September 13 on VOD in platforms like Apple TV, and Amazon, as well as in US theaters.
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Source: CardPlayer
