Retro Film Review: Owning Mahowny (2003)
Most people, including heads of Hollywood studios, often struggle to grasp that some of history's most spectacular disasters stem from seemingly mundane origins. A prime real-life example inspired Owning Mahowny, a 2003 Canadian drama helmed by Richard Kwietniowski.
Script by Maurice Chauvel is adapted from Stung: The Incredible Obsession of Brian Molony, 1987 book by Canadian journalist Gary Stephen Ross, which described the greatest embezzlement in Canadian banking history. The plot unfolds in early 1980s Toronto, where Brian Mahowny (fictional version of Brian Molony, portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman) holds a prominent managerial position at a prestigious Canadian bank. Despite Mahowny's rapid ascent within the bank, earning respect from superiors and clients alike, his success hasn't altered his modest lifestyle - donning inexpensive suits, driving an old car, residing in sparsely furnished accommodation, and dating his unglamorous colleague Belinda (played by Minnie Driver). Mahowny's sole passion lies in horse betting, leading him to accrue a debt of $10,300 with local bookie Frank Perlin (portrayed by Maury Chaykin). When Frank threatens to cease accepting his bets, a desperate Mahowny resorts to manipulating the bank's records. However, this temporary fix prompts Mahowny to escalate his misdeeds by embezzling more funds and heading to Atlantic City in hopes of recouping losses at the gambling tables. His reckless behaviour and substantial sums draw the attention of Victor Foss (played by John Hurt), the casino manager eager to cater to his enigmatic new client.
While Owning Mahowny draws from real events, it eschews intricate plotting in favour of character exploration. Philip Seymour Hoffman, a stalwart character actor and indie cinema icon, delivers a compelling portrayal of a fundamentally decent man whose life unravels due to a gambling addiction. Hoffman skilfully garners audience empathy as Mahowny's downfall unfolds through a series of mundane yet poignant incidents. Particularly poignant is a scene in Atlantic City where casino staff unexpectedly rally behind Mahowny during a rare winning streak, clinging to hope for his redemption.
Hoffman's performance shines, yet struggles under Maurice Chauvet's simplistic script. The narrative progresses through predictable scenarios and one-dimensional characters that pale in comparison to Mahowny. This underutilization extends to talents like Minnie Driver, nearly unrecognizable beneath an unflattering wig, and John Hurt, whose portrayal of the sleazy casino manager verges on caricature. The subplot involving an ambitious Canadian policeman (portrayed by Ian Tracey) stumbling upon Mahowny's illicit activities feels disjointed. These shortcomings underscore the film's failure to delve into Mahowny's descent into addiction or explore the aftermath of his actions fully. Consequently, Owning Mahowny transitions from a captivating character study into a lacklustre cautionary tale reminiscent of second-tier television fare.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)
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