invalidated at every turn by a script with big, literary pretensions but little if any dramatic credibility." Jonathan Rosenbaum of The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote that his problem with the film "is not so much a surfeit of psychological analysis—the script offers hints, not explicit causes explaining Axel's condition—as too little to account for his behaviour naturalistically, and too much to permit any sustained acceptance of the character on an allegorical or mythical level ... there is nothing in Axel that suggests hidden depths; indeed, despite Caan's consistent professionalism, the actor seems to be as disinterested in his character as Axel seems to be in himself." Filmink said the film was "peak ‘70s Caan with the star at his swaggering charming curly haired best." The film holds a score of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 10 reviews. Remake In August 2011, Paramount Pictures announced a remake of the 1974 film The Gambler with the original producers, Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff. Intended as a new directorial project for Martin Scorsese, it was reported that Leonardo DiCaprio was attached as the star and William Monahan would write the screenplay. In a 2011 interview, screenwriter James Toback gave the story of the original film's autobiographical background and development, and criticized the announcement of the remake. Scorsese left the project and filmmaker Todd Phillips was in talks to take over as of August 2012. In September 2013, Mark Wahlberg and director Rupert Wyatt expressed interest in remaking the film. The film was released on December 25, 2014. See also List of American films of 1974 References External links 1974 films 1974 crime drama films American crime drama films Films set in 1974 Films directed by Karel Reisz Films set in the Las Vegas Valley Films set in New York City Films about the American Mafia Films shot in the Las Vegas Valley Films shot in New York City Films about gambling Paramount Pictures films Films produced by Robert Chartoff Films produced by Irwin Winkler Films scored by Jerry Fielding 1970s English-language films 1970s American films