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Sydney   1997         R, 93 min. Genre: Drama / Thriller aka: Hard Eight Director: Paul Thomas Anderson   Cast: Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson, F. William Parker, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Nathanael Cooper, Wynn White, Robert Ridgely, Melora Walters, Kathleen Campbell, Michael J. Rowe   Seasoned gambler Sydney (Philip Baker Hall) teaches young John (John C. Reilly) the intricacies of his profession. Two years later, John and Sydney are still friends, and now John and waitress/hooker Clementine (Gwyneth Paltrow) are a hot item. Enter Jimmy (Samuel L. Jackson), a Reno low-life. One night the four characters are in a motel room with a bloody corpse that has a lot to do with failing to pay for Clementine's services and John's reaction. How they work themselves out from their dilemma provides a perceptive view of the four personalities that is entertaining and enlightening. Cast Philip Baker Hall Sydney John C. Reilly John Gwyneth Paltrow Clementine Samuel L. Jackson Jimmy F. William Parker Hostage Philip Seymour Hoffman Young Craps Player Nathanael Cooper Restroom Attendant Wynn White Waitress Robert Ridgely Keno Bar Manager Melora Walters Jimmy`s Girl Kathleen Campbell Keno Girl Michael J. Rowe Pit Boss