Any movie buff will know that there’s a permanent go-to scene that directors can always turn to when they want tension, drama, stakes, and a demonstration of the hero’s intellect: poker. While a popular game in reality, poker seems to have stolen an almost unfair amount of attention when we look at the silver screen; so many movies hinge upon a tense poker scene in which all is waiting to be lost or won.
But why? What’s drawn moviemakers across the world and across the years to this game that, let’s face it, relatively few members of the audience are likely to have direct experience with? Let’s figure it out!
Poker Has Innate Drama
If you’ve ever played online poker, you’ll already be well aware of this. Poker has an innate sense of drama, a “cool” feeling that has allowed this game to survive across the centuries. There’s just something inherently thrilling about gathering around the table, cards clustered close to your chest, trying to figure out what your opponent might be doing and how you can outwit them.
And it’s definitely true that an in-person poker game has a very atmospheric look to it too; with a dark but luxurious casino backdrop, plus bright lighting above the table, casting mysterious shadows across the players’ faces… well, it’s pretty much a dream come true for any director looking for a high-power scene with lots of punch.
And even online, it carries a lot of that weight and energy, perhaps because there’s so much psychology hinging on every moment. Is your opponent bluffing? Are you bluffing? Are you successfully fooling those around you? Was that a double-bluff you just detected?
We never seem to get tired of the mental challenge poker offers, whether we’re playing in person or rooting for our favorite characters on the screen.
And after all, most societies value intellect very highly, so there’s something even more satisfying about watching your favorite character prove beyond a shadow of doubt that they can best the villain, whoever it might be!
Lying Is Acceptable
One of the other appeals is perhaps that poker creates a scene in which the hero can lie with impunity. While we don’t usually condone a lie, there’s something really satisfying about knowing a protagonist can lie effectively, and what better place to demonstrate this than in the world of poker – where even the most scrupulous tell untruths as a part of the game?
It adds a pleasing layer of complexity and nuance that we don’t get to see in many other situations, and it’s definitely a compelling reason for adding this sort of scene to these movies. Plus, there’s an opportunity to include that “loveable rogue” vibe that’s so successful for so many reasons, and showcase that vibe in its element.
Poker Is Relatable
One of the challenges of creating a really good, dramatic scene is making it feel both spectacular and unusual, and at the same time ensuring that it is relatable. One of the fascinating things about poker is that it’s easy to up the stakes, while keeping the situation highly relatable. Even audiences who don’t play poker themselves are likely to be familiar with the game and to be capable of placing themselves in the character’s shoes.
This makes it an excellent opportunity for them to really feel part of the drama, to imagine themselves holding those cards, sweating over those decisions… movie gold, as far as directors are concerned! There are few better ways to really drive home tension than to make the audience feel they could be facing just such a scene.
There’s A Degree Of Glamour
Finally, who can deny that poker is a glamorous game? Imagine the characters sitting down to play Snap or Happy Families as part of the plot… it just couldn’t happen! But poker is a serious, luxurious, secretive game. It has the qualities to make a really good story because of the associations we give it, and that again makes it excellent movie fodder.
Add in the fact that you can dress your characters to the nines for such scenes, and you’ve got a setup that is immediately aesthetically pleasing, with a great sense of drama built in. Whether it’s a high-quality suit, a glitzy ballgown, high-end accessories, or anything else, this is an opportunity for characters to adopt a “persona” that isn’t their own, again creating nuance and depth.
Indeed, glamour is pretty much innate to the concept of poker for a whole range of reasons, and perhaps to an extent, this flows both ways. There’s no doubt that poker’s inbuilt luxury is what first helped it claim a place on the silver screen, but that association has crossed back in the other direction too, elevating poker in our eyes thanks to its connections with high-stakes moments that make your heart beat faster, that absorb you in the universe of the film. All in all, that’s a win-win situation, with no question!