I'm always looking for some kind of metaphor, occupation,

historical event that has a weight and a meaning that isn't immediately transparent.

You know, you think of a card player.

What a kind of limbo life this is.

You're running numbers, running odds, 12, hours a day. You know, running numbers, running odds, 12 hours a day.

You know, what's going on there?

What's really underneath?

Hello, and welcome back to the Director's Cut, brought to you by the Directors Guild of America.

Today's episode takes us behind the scenes of director Paul Schrader's new thriller, The Card Counter.

The film weaves the story of an ex-military interrogator turned gambler, who is haunted by the ghosts of his past decisions.

When he is approached by a vulnerable and angry young man seeking revenge against a mutual enemy from their past, he sees a chance for salvation, but risks a fall back into dark territory.

In addition to the card counter, Mr. Schrader's other directorial credits include the feature films First Reformed, Dark, Dog-Eagieke Dog, Gigolo, and Blue Collar,

the documentary feature Venice 70, Future Reloaded, and the movie for television Witch Hunt.

Following a recent screening of the film at the DGA Theater in New York, Mr. Schrader spoke

with fellow director John Patrick Shanley about filming the card

counter.

Listen on for their spoiler-filled conversation.

I've seen the film twice, tonight being the second time.

And what really hit me the second time was how propitious it is to be releasing this film now.

When I read the newspaper, when I look at the news,

I'm overwhelmed by how the deficits in our history,

in our American history, our sins, if you will,

...