High Stakes

High Stakes is a high-tension thriller from 1989 directed by Amos Kollek and produced by David Paulsen. With riveting performances from a cast led by Academy Award nominee Sally Kirkland (Anna, Fatal Games), Robert LuPone (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Sopranos), Richard Lynch (The Sword and the Sorcerer, Invasion USA) among others, this crime drama promises an exhilarating viewing experience, set in the underbelly of New York City.

The film revolves around the protagonist, Belle (Kirkland), a high-priced and alluring call girl who lives a dual existence. By day, she's a composed professional adored by her clients for her enchanting aura, sharp intellect, and enticing allure. However, at night, she leads an entirely different life, soaked in deception, danger, and the heart-throbbing world of illicit gambling and high stakes poker games. Belle’s life is an incredible high-wire act that she must maintain while dealing with two opposite worlds that can converge disastrously at any moment.

Sally Kirkland delivers a brilliant performance amplifying the complexities of Belle's character—a woman caught between the glitz and glam of her professional life and the convoluted realities of her personal life. You will get a glimpse of Belle’s intelligence and quick-wit as she maneuvers through the maze of her lifestyle, trying to steer clear of trouble.

Woven into this volatile mix are two men, her business associate and her somewhat dodgy boyfriend, roles held with a firm grip by Robert LuPone and Richard Lynch. LuPone, known for his superb performance in Broadway's original cast of 'A Chorus Line', and Lynch, a favorite antagonist in many films, add their unique charm to the storyline and make the drama even more intense.

In one corner stands Vic (LuPone), a mob-connected hustler luring amid the dim-lit poker tables, pushing his luck with every hand he deals. His complex relationship with Belle adds an intriguing layer to the story. In another corner, lurks her boyfriend, the amoral loan shark/drug peddler, Freddie (Richard Lynch). Through Freddie and Vic, the audience is introduced to an expansive landscape of crime, anxiety, and high-voltage drama.

High Stakes is not just a fast-paced crime narrative, but it also digs deep into the characters' personal stories, the emotions, ambitions, desires, and the struggle to survive in a harsh world. This combination of psychological exploration with adrenaline-pumped storytelling gives High Stakes a unique identity in the crime-thriller genre.

The scintillating cityscape of New York, brilliantly captured by renowned cinematographer Oliver Wood (Die Hard 2, Face Off), turns into a character itself, adding an additional charm and element to the film. Wood's camera captures the grit and glamour of New York, the sharp, grimy alleyways, and the glittering high-stakes poker rooms, immersing viewers into the visceral reality of this world.

High Stakes is a film that perfectly harmonizes high-octane suspense with an intriguing character study. It's the type of movie to enjoy if you love tales from the underworld, the intriguing face of New York nightlife, or films that walk a perfect line between character drama and fast-paced narrative.

In addition to the powerhouse performances and compelling storyline, the film also boasts a pulsating soundtrack that escalates the essence and the mood of the narrative. With each tune tailored in sync to the scenes, the score complements the tense narrative and enhances the viewing experience.

Although High Stakes was released more than three decades ago, the themes and issues portrayed in the film remain relevant today. The movie provides a perfect blend of thrilling elements, layered characters, unexpected twists, and turns that will keep viewers on the edge of their seat from the beginning to end.

When all is said and done, High Stakes, which was dubbed a "gritty and sexy thriller" by the critics, is a heart-racing roller coaster ride of emotions, events, and the exploration of a dark, underground world, told from the perspective of a daring and unforgettable protagonist, Belle. It is a film that keeps audiences guessing, exploring the harsh reality of a complicated world that lies beneath the glamour and glitz seen on the surface. Mark it as a must-watch if you love films that don't shy away from digging deeper into the fringes of society.