The film «Molly's Game» (2017) tells the story of Molly Bloom, a former skier who, after an injury sustained during Olympic trials, moves to Los Angeles. There she begins working as an assistant for a Hollywood businessman who involves her in organizing high-stakes poker games for celebrities. The main filming took place in the USA and Canada, with several scenes shot in China. In Toronto, scenes were created reflecting Molly Bloom's life and her path to success in the poker world: the city provided diverse locations that helped create the atmosphere of both luxurious gambling establishments and more grounded moments in the protagonist's life. However, the bulk of filming took place in New York, where, according to the plot, Molly faced new challenges: the city became an important backdrop for the story's development, as it is here that she interacts with influential players and criminal elements. Additionally, filming took place in Collingwood and Beaver Valley in Ontario, where, according to the plot, ski competitions were held. These locations help reflect Molly's athletic past and her transition to organizing poker games.

Filming Locations:

The Plaza Hotel

In the Movie

Scene where Molly Bloom returns to New York and stays at the Plaza Hotel. She moves her poker games to this elite hotel, hoping to attract new clients and build a successful business. At the hotel, she sets up equipment similar to that used in casinos and begins organizing games for the rich and influential, but soon faces new challenges, including conflicts with the Russian mafia and «Player X,» an influential figure in the poker world.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the famous Plaza Hotel, located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park. This luxurious hotel, opened in 1907, has become a symbol of elegance and status, attracting high-profile guests and celebrities. The interiors of the Plaza, decorated in the French château style, epitomize a world of wealth and glamour, making it an ideal location for the poker games organized by Molly. The choice of the Plaza Hotel as her primary location in New York also underscores Molly's ambitions and her drive for success in the world of gambling.

Wollman Rink

In the Movie

Scene where Molly, after her arrest, goes to the ice rink in Central Park. After her arrest, Molly finds herself in a difficult situation, stripped of all her wealth and surroundings. Walking home, she hears sounds from the rink and, seeking solace, decides to visit it. While skating, Molly recalls her athletic past as a skier and begins to speed around the rink despite warnings from security. At that moment, fate leads her to a meeting with her father. Seeing him, she collides with another visitor and is asked to leave. Together with her father, they sit on a nearby bench and begin to discuss their family issues.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Wollman Rink in Central Park. This rink is one of the most famous and picturesque spots in New York, making it an ideal location to convey the city's atmosphere. In the context of the plot, the rink symbolizes both joy and sadness. For Molly Bloom, who was once a successful skier, skating on the ice becomes a moment of nostalgia and reflection on her lost dreams and opportunities. This place allows viewers to see her inner struggle and desire to recover after her fall. The atmosphere of the rink, surrounded by the winter landscapes of Central Park, creates the perfect backdrop for this emotional scene, highlighting Molly's loneliness and hopes.

Lawyer Charlie Jaffey's Office

In the Movie

Scene where Molly Bloom, the protagonist, comes to the office of lawyer Charlie Jaffey. This scene serves as the starting point for the entire story and the beginning of her account of how she became the organizer of some of the most expensive poker games in the world. Molly shares her memories of how she arrived at this moment, starting with her ski injury and her desire to start a new life in Los Angeles. The scene in the lawyer's office sets the context for subsequent events, showing how her life changed after her arrest and indictment.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the office skyscraper Citigroup Place in Toronto, Canada. Filming in Canada is often done due to lower production costs compared to the USA, as well as tax incentives for the film industry. This allows producers to save money and use quality locations to create the desired atmosphere. Thus, although the film's action takes place in the USA, filming the office scenes in Canada provided an opportunity to efficiently realize the project within budget and available resources. The building's interiors create a sense of a high-class legal space, which matches the status of Charlie Jaffey as Molly Bloom's lawyer.