In this post, we will look at a movie based on a real-life incident where Brian Molony, a clerk working at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, embezzled more than $10 million from the bank to support his gambling habit in the early ’80s. Directed by Richard Kwietniowski and based on the book Stung: The Incredible Obsession of Brian Molony by Gary Stephen Ross, the movie stars the late Philip Seymour Hoffman as its protagonist, with Minnie Driver, Maury Chaykin, and John Hurt in supporting roles.

The plot begins with Dan Mahowny (Hoffman) receiving a promotion from the bank where he works. He now handles some of the bank’s wealthy clients and is held in high regard by his boss. His girlfriend, Melinda (Driver), also works at the same bank. Unbeknownst to his woman or his employers, Mahowny is a compulsive gambler and needs the thrill of betting to keep him going.

To feed this addiction, Mahowny embezzles money from the bank under the guise of acquiring a loan for his wealthy client. He then goes to Atlantic City to take his chances. While playing recklessly at a casino, he attracts the attention of its owner, Victor Foss (Hurt), who forces a young employee, Chris Collins, to befriend Mahowny and gather details about him. At home, despite having access to the bank’s money, Mahowny is heavily in debt with his thuggish bookie, Frank (Chaykin).

Like a typical addict, he is in denial about his uncontrollable habit and constantly lies to Belinda. One realizes early on that this is a doomed character. On one occasion, pretending to take Belinda on vacation, he makes a trip to Vegas for more gambling. As they are about to make the trip, Belinda observes an angry Frank confront Mahowney. Disturbed by this encounter, she begins to suspect that Mahowny may not be telling her the truth about himself. Foss, who has become obsessed with Mahowny, keeps tabs on him. He is upset when he learns that Mahowny went to Vegas at one point instead of making the trip to Atlantic City.

When she confronts Mahowny, he refuses to admit to her that he has a gambling problem, putting a strain on the relationship. Meanwhile, the bank begins to see irregularities in Mahowny’s accounts and decides to launch an investigation.

Mahowny will visit Atlantic City once more, while the police are on the trail of Frank and Mahowny. Can Mahowny ever lead a normal life? Will he lose Belinda too? These questions are answered in the film’s epilogue.

Roger Ebert listed ‘Owning Mahowny’ as one of the best movies of 2003. This is a movie that rests entirely on the shoulders of Philip Seymour Hoffman, and he proves more than capable in handling it. His expressions are subtle, especially when he simply pushes an existential crisis out of his mind and acts normal. John Hurt also delivers a fine performance as the sleazy casino owner, while Minnie Driver plays the deluded but faithful Belinda excellently. This movie serves as a stark warning about the devastating effects of gambling addiction and how quickly it can destroy a person’s life and career.