Idris Elba returns to the big screen alongside Jessica Chastain and Kevin Costner with his latest blockbuster movie Molly’s Game. The film marks the directorial debut of renowned playwright and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin.
Molly’s Game is based on the true story of Olympic-class skier Molly Bloom, who started the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game for a decade until she was arrested by FBI agents. Hollywood royalty, sports stars, and business titans all came to her games but Bloom has kept their names confidential to protect their private lives.
At the recent press conference in Claridges, London Sorkin explained what attracted him to the story. He was sent Bloom’s book by an entertainment lawyer, which he describes as a “wild ride”.
Sorkin stated:
“It was only when I met with Molly that I was hooked because I realized two things the book was just the tip of the iceberg it was a much bigger story, a bigger more emotional story than how she became the biggest poker player and that Molly herself was built out of integrity. A unique heroine found in an unlikely place”
Lead actress Jessica pointed out that she was aware the movie was “very much about gender politics”. In relationship to the “Metoo” campaign she stated that she wants “equality for all women” not just women in Hollywood and that two people doing the same job should be rewarded equally.
Sorkin found the story he wanted to tell within the details Bloom neglected to include in her book, a process of discovery reflected in Idris Elba’s character, criminal defense lawyer Charlie Jaffey. Central to the story Sorkin has the relationship with Molly and Charlie.
Idris stated:
“We did not have much time to prepare”. With about 10 to 12 days to shoot, it was Aaron’s point of view which was a clever devise to connect with the audience”.
He describes the “real Molly as very humble” and “not seeing herself as a movie heroine”. When asked why he accepted the movie he said that he had to take a moment to digest that a Sorkin script was in front of him.
Image credit: Michael Gibson; Motion Picture Artwork © 2017 STX Financing, LLC. All Rights Reserved
