Drawing Dead: The Highs & Lows of Online Poker

Drawing Dead: The Highs & Lows of Online Poker is an interesting documentary from 2013 that takes viewers into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of online poker, focusing specifically on two extremely different players. This movie, directed by Mike Weeks and Paul Freedman, provides an enlightening glimpse into the world of virtual gambling and features interviews with key figures in the poker industry.

The story of online poker is told from the perspectives of two main characters: Michael 'Mikey' Stotz, a degenerate gambler who succumbs to the valleys of addiction, and Dusty 'Leatherass' Schmidt, a former golfer turned professional online poker player who earned millions through the virtual card games. Drawing Dead uses these two drastically different narratives as a means to examine the cultural impact and societal conflicts inherent in the world of online poker.

The film opens with a brief introduction to online poker, explaining its popularity in the early 2000s and sudden rise as an international phenomenon. From there, it delves into the sophisticated but volatile world of online poker, touching on its psychological, financial, and legal aspects. Throughout, Drawing Dead juxtaposes Schmidt's disciplined, strategic approach to online poker - one that sees him living comfortably in a lavish suburban home, against Stotz's compulsive gambling addiction - an affliction that has had a devastating effect on his life.

Director Mike Weeks successfully uses apt narratorial techniques to effectively convey the allure of climbing the online poker ladder. The usage of archival footage coupled with personal interviews from both Stotz and Schmidt works a narrative contrast, paralleling their lives with the fortunes they draw from the deck. The documentary also brings a fresh perspective on online poker by focusing on the highs and lows experienced by the players, sharing an intimate view of their personal lives.

Enlivened by captivating graphic animations, the film delves into the intricacies of poker strategy and the techniques employed by Schmidt to turn virtual chips into real wealth. Viewers get a glimpse into the disciplined, methodical nature of Schmidt's poker play, revealing how hours of rigorous study and practice on and off the table contributes to his success. Leatherass's tale brings a level of strategy and game theory to the table that's fascinating, conveying the message that online poker isn't simply about luck but also requires skill, analysis, and hard work.

On the other hand, the film also shows the darker side of online poker through Stotz's story as it tracks his downward spiral into gambling addiction. The documentary does not shy away from displaying the crippling realities and consequences of a life driven by addiction. His interactions with friends, family, and his struggle with gambling paints a raw, heart-wrenching side to this global phenomenon.

Drawing Dead further includes insights and expert commentary from a wide range of influential figures in the poker world. Some interviews feature professionals who have made hundreds of thousands of dollars playing online, others include economic and legal experts who discuss various factors leading to the crackdown on online poker in the United States. This wide spectrum of interviews helps to create a comprehensive exploration of the complexities of the online poker world, as well as its impact on society.

In conclusion, Drawing Dead: The Highs & Lows of Online Poker is a fascinating observation of the dichotomy in the world of online poker, fusing the rush of victory, the despair of defeat, the struggles of addiction, and the ecstasy of accomplishment. The documentary provides a balanced view of a globally recognized phenomenon, making it a must-see for not only poker enthusiasts but also anyone interested in stories of human trials and triumph.