Question 1

What surprising behind-the-scenes conflict occurred over casting Robert De Niro?

Accepted Answer

Robert De Niro lobbied hard for the lead role, even dressing like writer James Toback, but director Karel Reisz refused to consider him and threatened to remove Toback from the project if he kept insisting.

Question 2

Which actor considered this film one of his personal favorites of his own work?

Accepted Answer

James Caan, who plays Axel Freed, has said this is one of his favorite films from his own career.

Question 3

What literary connection does the film's classroom discussion about '2 + 2 = 5' actually have?

Accepted Answer

While inspired by Dostoevsky's 'The Gambler,' the classroom discussion about '2 + 2 = 5' and free will is based on Dostoevsky's 'Notes from the Underground.'

Question 4

What major production conflict led Robert Evans to make 'Chinatown' instead of this film?

Accepted Answer

Robert Evans wanted to produce this as his first credited Paramount production, but Irwin Winkler wouldn't step aside despite studio attempts to give him other projects, so Evans made 'Chinatown' instead.

Question 5

What was the relationship between star James Caan and director Karel Reisz?

Accepted Answer

James Caan hated director Karel Reisz and said he would never work with him again after making this film.

The Gambler

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