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A tarot card reading serves as the catalyst for a tumultuous exploration of love, identity, and self-discovery in “The Card Counter,” directed by Paul Schrader. Told in a cinematic style reminiscent of Scorsese and De Niro classics, this gripping drama delves into the complexities of human relationships and the quest for personal authenticity. The film centers around William Tell (Oscar Isaac), a reclusive and stoic ex-convict who now earns a meager income as a gambler in high-stakes poker games. His existence revolves around the tarot cards, which become an all-consuming obsession. William sees them not just as a tool for guidance, but also as a way to confront his dark past and lost loved ones. He has a particular affinity for a deck that he considers sacred, an heirloom he salvaged from his past. One evening, while participating in a low-stakes game, William meets Cirk (Tilda Swinton), a mysterious woman enigmatic in her ways, but full of intrigue and mystery. She is initially hesitant to engage with William, but eventually warms up to him after discovering a peculiar connection between his tarot readings and a past tragedy. The two share a moment of raw vulnerability, hinting at an underlying connection that they seem reluctant to explore. As the storyline progresses, we find William in a fragile relationship with a kind-hearted woman, La Linda (Ariana Greenblatt). They embark on romantic getaways, but their relationship seems strained due to the intensity of William's tarot reading sessions. He becomes increasingly consumed by them, often finding escape in these readings, much to the dismay of his partner. As William grapples with the complexities of his love life, we get glimpses of his troubled past in flashbacks that show us the pivotal moments that made him who he is now. William's involvement with an ill-fated romance was cut short by a tragic event that left him questioning the meaning of his existence. Meanwhile, William’s fascination with tarot cards reaches new heights, and he becomes increasingly entangled in a mystical connection with these ancient symbols. He starts to see parallels between his life and the tarot's intricate representations of the world. The cards seem to offer cryptic solutions to his struggles, and as William becomes more adept at deciphering their secrets, he is drawn deeper into their mystique. Throughout the film, the cinematography masterfully weaves together William's disjointed existence with the mysterious language of tarot cards, reflecting his turbulent inner world. Schrader skillfully employs long takes and unflinching close-ups to immerse the audience in William's psyche, emphasizing the depth and complexity of the narrative. As the drama unfolds, William's connection with La Linda begins to fray due to his all-consuming focus on tarot cards. Despite this, the lines between love and self-discovery become increasingly blurred, leaving audiences questioning which of these emotions holds more significance for William. In the movie’s climax, William becomes embroiled in a high-stakes poker game that threatens to spiral his already fragile world into chaos. His deep emotional connection to the tarot cards makes him question whether his life would be more authentic if he could let go of the cards and re-engage with the world. Ultimately, “The Card Counter” emerges as a poignant exploration of the human search for meaning, self-discovery, and love in the face of personal turmoil. Through Oscar Isaac's breathtaking performance and Schrader's masterful direction, this critically acclaimed film masterfully conveys the complexities of a deeply flawed yet relatable protagonist, shedding light on the intricate dance between love, loss, and self-discovery.