---
title: "The Cooler"
year: 2003
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-cooler-2003"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 10744
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 101
community_rating: 6.7
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "R"
---

# The Cooler (2003) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-cooler-2003

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Cooler is a 2003 romance and drama film centered on Bernie, a Las Vegas casino employee. Bernie possesses an innate ability to bring misfortune to those around him, which his boss, Shelly Kaplow, utilizes to ensure gamblers lose their money. The plot follows Bernie as he finds unexpected happiness through a relationship with a waitress named Natalie Belisario.

The film features a cast including William H. Macy, Maria Bello, Shawn Hatosy, Ron Livingston, Estella Warren, Paul Sorvino, and Alec Baldwin. It runs for 1 hour and 41 minutes and focuses on the conflict between Bernie's role as a jinx and his personal life.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A casino employee uses his innate ability to bring misfortune to gamblers to ensure they lose."

### Why Watch
- Features a unique premise involving a man who jinxes gamblers
- Cast includes William H. Macy, Maria Bello, and Alec Baldwin
- Explores the tension between professional misfortune and personal happiness

### Caveats & Content Note
- The film is rated R
- Tone & Suitability: This R-rated romance and drama follows a man working under an imposing boss in a casino.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #las-vegas-setting, #supernatural-misfortune, #casino-drama, #romantic-drama, #jinxed-protagonist

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/the-cooler-2003#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Wayne Kramer
- **Networks / Studios**: Pierce/Williams Entertainment, ContentFilm, Lions Gate Films

## Key Cast Continuity

- **William H. Macy** as *Bernie Lootz*
- **Alec Baldwin** as *Shelly Kaplow*
- **Maria Bello** as *Natalie Belisario*
- **Shawn Hatosy** as *Mikey*
- **Ron Livingston** as *Larry Sokolov*
- **Paul Sorvino** as *Buddy Stafford*
- **Estella Warren** as *Charlene*
- **Arthur J. Nascarella** as *Nicky Fingers Bonnatto*
- **Joey Fatone** as *Johnny Cappella*
- **M.C. Gainey** as *Highway Officer*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who stars in The Cooler?
The film stars William H. Macy, Maria Bello, Shawn Hatosy, Ron Livingston, Estella Warren, Paul Sorvino, and Alec Baldwin.

### Q: What is the plot of the movie?
Bernie is a casino worker who jinxes gamblers into losing until he begins dating a waitress named Natalie Belisario.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes.

### Q: What is the film's rating?
The Cooler is rated R.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Cooler — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/10744)
- [The Cooler - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cooler)
- [The Cooler (1982) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/93030-the-cooler/prehled/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*