After Goodfellas and Raging Bull, director Martin Scorsese turned his attention to another true crime epic – this time about organized crime in Las Vegas. The result was Casino, which introduced audiences to the world of mob corruption in a city that has never been more popular for gambling and entertainment.
Based on a non-fiction book by Nicholas Pileggi (who interviewed Sam “Ace” Rothstein and others for the film), Casino lays bare a web of corruption that was centered in Las Vegas and had tendrils reaching out to politicians, union officials, and even the Chicago mob. It is a fascinating story of greed and betrayal, one that is both harrowing and entertaining.
One of the most interesting things about this film is that it isn’t interested in highlighting any “good guys.” All of the main characters are mired in violence and treachery, and they all get their comeuppance at some point. It’s a very realistic depiction of human tragedy, and it makes the ending feel satisfying in a way that most movies with happy endings cannot.
Like all of Scorsese’s films, Casino is a jolt of cinema that captures the essence of its subject matter with unbridled energy and pacing. But it’s also a movie that has an uncommon depth and is made even more impressive by the performances of its cast. Sharon Stone is excellent as the sexy, smart Ginger McKenna and gave one of the best performances of her career. Joe Pesci’s performance as mob strongman Nicky Santoro is a perfect complement to De Niro’s more refined character of Sam Rothstein, and their dynamic provides the tension that holds the movie together.
The other key aspect of Casino is its use of real footage from casinos to add authenticity and make the film feel more like a documentary. This also helps it to avoid being too over-the-top with its depiction of gangster life. It also doesn’t shy away from showing some truly disturbing scenes, including a torture-by-vice sequence that features a popped eyeball and a brutal baseball bat beating.
Despite all of the violence and corruption, Casino still manages to keep a light heart and some sense of humor. This is mostly due to the fact that it focuses on a group of people who aren’t particularly sympathetic, but also because the events of the movie themselves have a lot of drama and action. It’s a highly engaging and interesting movie that should appeal to gamblers and those who are fascinated by the world of organized crime. It’s a film that is sure to leave an impression on anyone who sees it. The best way to play at a casino is with cash, not credit cards. This will ensure that you don’t spend more money than you actually have and that you won’t go into debt. Also, remember to set a budget and stick with it. Don’t get too drunk or eat too much food while you’re there, as casinos make a big profit every day from tipsy players losing their chips.