April 7, 2025 · Watch the official trailer
Audiences love watching game shows for the thrill and possibility of winning untold amounts of cash and prizes.
There's a voyeuristic nature to the concept that allows a viewer to place themselves in the shoes of a contestant, essentially gambling with house money and riding on the highs and lows of another person's fortunes.
While over the years there have been many game shows mired in controversy, the tale of Michael Larson on a 1984 episode of “Press Your Luck” remains one of the most unique and ingenious ways to "cheat the system.”
Coming from seemingly out of nowhere, Larson broke the mold of the popular television game show, defying the odds to win over $100,000 in one go. This incredible tale is the subject of a new film directed by Samir Oliveros, “The Luckiest Man In America” starring Paul Walter Hauser as Larson and tightly weaves this unique moment in television history into a captivating 90 minute feature film.
Hauser is well versed playing quirky eccentrics, with his breakout role coming in Craig Gillespie’s Oscar-nominated dramedy “I, Tonya.”
The unusual persona that was Michael Larson comes through not just in the bold avantgarde look but also in the subtle nuances of Hauser’s cadence and tone to find Larson's voice.
While the idea of a man with a gray poofy mullet, oversized jacket, and tiny khaki shorts does evoke an exceptionally comic nature similar to the iconic Chris Farley character Matt Foley from “Saturday Night Live” Hauser finds a lot of complexity in Larson and only slowly reveals how and why Larson is gaming the game.
It's difficult not to outright laugh at Hauser's performance for some of the film’s more dry comedic moments, though director Oliveros here plays things more for straight drama than humor but it's Hauser's unique ability to blur the lines between seriousness and playful in Larsen's eccentricities that make “The Luckiest Man In America” far more compelling than meets the eye.
A terrific ensemble cast helps fill out the world of the film, largely set on a CBS Studios lot where the show was filmed with David Strathairn as show producer Bill Carruthers providing a much needed sense of gravitas in the film and the way his character relates both with Larson and casting director Chuck played by Shamier Anderson creates deeper layers for the overall narrative beyond Larson's simple winnings.
Behind the camera, Oliveros is able to briskly bring audiences in and around the studio, navigating seemingly complex geography with ease as the camera follows characters around for extended moments that give viewers a larger sense of place within the confines of the studio. And the smartly written screenplay by Oliveros and Maggie Briggs also highlights the hierarchical nature of the show while allowing for key crew members to play significant supporting roles in the film as a whole.
“Game of Thrones” star Maisie Williams is exceptional as the show’s main production assistant blending a sense of duty to her job and sympathy for Larson while Anderson’s casting director Chuck accentuates the skepticism many on the crew had to Larson's techniques and motivations.
Terrific production design and cinematography from director of photography Pablo Lozano help bring the world of “The Luckiest Man In America” to life in a very lived in, vintage style. Keeping in with its 1980s setting, the cinematography floats in and out of more theatrical wide camera angles as well as the more claustrophobic, square, tight close-ups of an 80s television camera.
While the film was quickly picked up by IFC Films following its world premiere last fall at the Toronto International Film Festival, a likely muted marketing budget and post Spring Break release have relegated this unique and engaging drama to a limited theatrical release that will put it out of the way for many cinephiles who might make an effort to seek the film out.
Whether it’s a road trip to theaters or an on-demand at home streaming watch months from now, movie lovers would be well served to take a chance on “The Luckiest Man In America,” thanks to a standout lead effort from Hauser and a tight, engaging narrative.
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