As much as Casino is a movie about gambling, it is also about family and friendship. It is about betrayal and redemption, and the power of human greed. In some ways, it is a tragic tale. But it is also one of the best movies ever made. And although it is not quite up to par with some of Scorsese’s masterpieces, such as Taxi Driver or Raging Bull, it still ranks well above the rest of the pack.
The film revolves around Sam “Ace” Rothstein (De Niro). He is a professional gambler and expert handicapper who is hired by the Chicago Outfit to oversee their casino operations in Las Vegas. He soon begins to develop romantic feelings for Ginger McKenna (Stone), a streetwise chip hustler who is his pit boss. The two are drawn together, but their relationship is strained by the constant pulls of Sam’s mob connections and his growing gambling empire.
While the story is based on true events, the characters in the movie are fictional. However, many of the casino scenes are based on real-life experiences. The film’s sets are designed to emulate actual casino settings, and the director used real-life dealers as consultants to ensure that the gambling action remained authentic. In addition, the actors were all trained by professionals to ensure that they played their parts as well as possible.
Casino focuses on the dark side of Las Vegas, which is not often depicted in popular culture. Most films that portray the city only show its opulence, neon signs, and people playing cards or slots. This movie, however, shows how gambling can quickly lead to trouble for anyone who becomes involved. It also lays bare the origins of organized crime in the city. The movie is a compelling and entertaining drama that also happens to be an excellent showcase for the acting talents of Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone.
Gambling casinos are designed to be labyrinthine, and the layouts are specifically meant to distract players from their natural need for food and sleep. The curved pathways and strategically placed gaming sections are designed to get them to spend more money, and casinos often offer complimentary meals and hotel rooms to their high rollers. They also change cash into colorful chips, which makes it easier for players to ignore their losses.
Casino is an outstanding thriller that never loses steam throughout its three-hour running time. Despite its length, the film manages to be riveting until the very end, and is a perfect example of the mastery of the director, Martin Scorsese. He is an absolute genius when it comes to camera movements, angles, and framing. He is one of the few directors who can make a movie that is so exciting and fast-paced, without ever becoming dull or dragging. The chemistry between the two stars is also excellent, and the performances are some of the best of their careers. They are complemented by the supporting cast, including Joe Pesci, Don Rickles, and Kevin Pollak.
