As long as poker scenes convey some sense that what we’re watching could actually happen at a poker table, I’ll play along. But in the movies, straight flushes typically steamroll full-houses.ĭespite infrequent realism, I tend to be forgiving when it comes to how poker is portrayed in movies.
Real high-stakes poker games and major tournaments are often won with ace high or a single pair. That’s not exactly the cinematic backdrop you want for a great movie.įor this reason, films have a tendency to amplify confrontation. The game can be wickedly dull - not just to watch but to play. In real life, most of the time, poker players sit around. Its subtleties are invisible to the naked eye. Poker’s essence and intensity are difficult to capture. When it comes to poker, conveying realism in film is a challenge.
