The Best of It

The Best of It is a compelling 2016 documentary that dishes out an up-close and personal account of what it feels like to live life as a professional gambler. The movie primarily revolves around four markedly different characters, who all share one thing in common: an unyielding passion for betting, staking their livelihoods and their futures on the unpredictable whims of luck and strategy.

The first figure that we meet on this thrilling journey is Lem Banker, the venerable doyen of Las Vegas bettors. With more than half a century of experience behind him, Banker comes across as both a sage and a relic from a golden era of gambling that has, in many ways, faded into the annals of history. Banker's seasoned insight into the world of betting is invaluable, lending the movie a sobering realism and an ever-present reminder that for many, gambling is not just a hobby, but a way of life.

Alan Denkenson, a former New York dealer in rare books, is another intriguing character in the narrative. His transition from the world of rare literature into the high-stakes universe of professional gambling is arguably one of the most fascinating aspects of The Best of It. Denkenson's journey highlights the strange allure of professional betting, which can captivate individuals from vastly different walks of life. His relationship with his wife, Gayle Downing Denkenson, provides an inside look at how this lifestyle can affect personal relationships and the lengths people will go to support their loved ones.

Gayle Downing Denkenson, Alan's wife, serves as a vital counterpoint to the testosterone-fueled, adrenaline rush of the gambling world. Gayle's perspective provides a welcoming and insightful feminine touch to this male-dominated domain. She shows us the subtle yet critical role that loved ones of professional gamblers play in their lives, often serving as their emotional rock in times of devastating loss and head-spinning win alike.

Director Scott Pearson Eberly exquisitely draws the viewer into the highly charged, oft-misunderstood world of professional gambling. We are taken on a roller-coaster ride through a realm rife with risk, offering an inside look at the strain, sacrifice, and dedication these individuals put into their craft. Eberly eschews the often glamourized depictions of gambling seen in film and popular culture and chooses instead to highlight its gritty realism. The Best of It is about both the highs of massive windfalls and the crushing lows of losing streaks. It's about the psychological fortitude required to endure and persist, and the inescapable lure of coming back for more, seeking the next big win.

From the intimate insights of the characters, we see how Lem, Alan, and the other professional gamblers are unique, yet unified in their relentless pursuit of a 'winning system.' We see the meticulous analysis, research, and gut instinct that goes into selecting 'the best of it' on any given day. We come face to face with the stark reality that even though professional betting might appear to be a quick money-making avenue, the truth is that it’s a profession demanding constant learning, adaptation, and the courage to stake everything, time and again.

Instead of just glorifying the glitz and glamour associated with this relentless profession, Eberly reveals the inflexible hardship that often accompanies it. Living on the edge, the constant stress, the high risks, and its impact on the gamblers as well as their families is truthfully depicted.

In telling the story of these extraordinary, ordinary men, The Best of It offers invaluable insight into the darker, more riveting undercurrents of professional gambling. For anyone who has ever viewed gambling from a distance, this film offers a glimpse into the hidden corners of this world - a face-off between destiny and skill, fortune and strategy. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate human stories of resilience against the backdrop of a risk-filled world. The Best of It promises to captivate audiences, drawing them into its vortex with the power and tension of a high-stakes poker match.