Owning Mahowny

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Owning Mahowny is predicated on a real story a few bank executive who committed the most important one man fraud in Canadian history. The movie was released in 2003 and is about for the duration of 1980-1982 when the real events occurred. This movie is predicated at the book “Stung: The Incredible Obsession of Brian Molony” by Gary Stephen Ross that tells the actual story of Brian Molony which the nature of Dan Mahowny is predicated upon.

Dan Mahowny is a gentle mannered bank executive with an addiction to gambling. His job gives him access to a 20 million account. When he encounters a losing streak he “borrows” from this account and finally takes10.2 million dollars over an 18 month period to fuel his gambling addiction.

The story is dark and disturbing because it deals with the topic of gambling addiction. Like most addicts Dan Mahowny is in denial. When confronted by his girl friend about his gambling, he tells "I HAVEN'T GOT a gambling problem. I'VE a financial problem."

What is much more disturbing is the way in which the greedy casino executives coax and inspire him to stay gambling. At one point the casino flies “the cage” from Atlantic City to Toronto to get a signature which might allow Mahowny money to gambling with. This happened in 1980 and so much has changed but one of the crucial tactics utilized by the casinos remain today.

I originally purchased this movie because I enjoy watching to peer how accurate casino scenes are portrayed in a film. The gambling scenes were only a backdrop to the tale of this pitiful man who starts the movie as a gambling addict after which spirals down even father in toe the depths of his addiction until he's caught.

This isn't a really perfect movie with an entertaining story line but nor is gambling addiction in true life. The truth that it was in keeping with a real story gives it credence and makes it worth watching. I NEED TO caution that you're going to not really find this story entertaining because it is more of a study in human misery. Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who plays Dan Mahowny does and outstanding job in his portrayal of this poor sole whose life is uncontrolled because of his gambling addiction.

Grade: B

Until Next time remember: Luck comes and goes.....Knowledge Stays Forever.

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