The Cooler

Kramer's fine debut is a slow-burning slab of 1970s-style Americana, as in hock to nostalgia as it is unconvinced by it. Bernie Lootz (Macy) is the unluckiest schmo in Vegas, who earns his whack spreading misfortune round the gaming tables of an old school casino until lady luck (Bello) is dealt into his life. Flitting between neonlit fantasy, black comedy and bloody thriller, this menacing portrait of Vegas is encapsulated by a terrific, brooding performance from Baldwin as the compromised casino manager.