Colin Farrell Films Major Movie on Macau Casino Floors

Colin Farrell stars in the Netflix film "Ballad of a Small Player," a surreal drama shot on location in Macau's famous casinos, marking a rare major Western film set in Asia's gambling capital. Farrell plays a velvet-suited conman and gambling addict, pursued by an investigator played by Tilda Swinton, with key scenes filmed on live casino floors amidst real high rollers. The production involved 33 days of shooting in Macau and additional scenes in nearby Hong Kong, capturing the vibrant, over-the-top energy of the region, especially during the traditional Hungry Ghost Festival, which adds a supernatural element to the story. Director Edward Berger emphasized the uniqueness of Macau's portrayal in Western cinema, inspired by Hong Kong film styles and aiming to depict a "fragile soul in a loud exuberant place." Farrell described the shoot as "bananas," living for eight weeks in hotels on the gambling strip, though he personally avoids gambling despite learning baccarat for the role. The film adapts Lawrence Osborne's novel and reflects Berger's intent to explore new tones and genres following his previous works.