It is possible that nuclear war is about to break out, if you believe that two uncontrollable psychopaths are dictating events, or maybe it’s simply a continuation of the poker game that’s been going on for some time with the stakes getting higher. Let’s just hope neither one shows his hand; I can’t see that producing any winners.

So let’s stay in play (as I’ve heard on TV ads, I think) and consider cinema’s treatment of gambling, whether in the casino, at the races or in real life, where there are more than just financial consequences. Although set in a casino, my choice, The Cooler, is about the effects of love on this particular world of gambling. It stars one of my very favourite actors, William H Macy.

What films about gambling would you recommend?