Hard Eight (DVD, 1999)

Today, most of the world knows Paul Thomas Anderson as the writer and director of "Boogie Nights" and "Magnolia." It is interesting that most people come across "Hard Eight" (A.K.A. "Sydney"), Anderson's first official movie, AFTER having become familiar with his other works. Of course, in the light of "Boogie Nights" and "Magnolia," both epic motion pictures in their own ways, "Hard Eight" can come across as somewhat less intense. However, it should not be underestimated. Anderson's writing is incredibly accomplished - he has always been well beyond his years in terms of maturity - and all performances in "Hard Eight" are wonderfully executed. John C. Reilly delivers a brilliant gem of a performance, not to mention the multi-faceted and incredibly talented Philip Baker Hall (both actors went on to appear in Anderson's later "Magnolia"). Gwyneth Paltrow is very surprising in her role as Clementine. For movie buffs & movie trivia geeks, there is a brief cameo by Philip Seymour Hoffman in one of the casino scenes (Hoffman also lends his acting expertise to Anderson in "Magnolia" as Phil Parma, Earl Partridge's sympathetic nurse).
The story of "Hard Eight" is compelling and imaginative, and it is evident that Anderson was already establishing his very unique style & technique when he directed this film, as many shots and sequences are innovative and characteristic of PTA. In many ways, "Hard Eight" is a sort of foreshadow (in terms of technique) of "Magnolia," since it incorporates flashbacks, quick cuts in place & time, and unusual camera shots.
Apart from being the perfect introduction to Anderson's directing style, "Hard Eight" is a superb film in and of itself. Two thumbs up!