No other movie has captured the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas quite like Casino. While other movies have shown the city as a place for weekend getaways and parties, Casino digs deeper, showing the city’s past ties with organized crime while still giving viewers a glimpse of the opulence and neon signs. But most importantly, it also shows how a town built on vice can become a cesspool of corruption and deceit. While it doesn’t feature any good guys (and very few sympathetic characters), Casino is a powerful drama that makes it easy to understand how greed and avarice can lead to tragedy.
Its depiction of organized crime in a centralized locale makes it much different from Scorsese’s other mob movies, which are generally more concerned with individual character flaws and personal redemption. But Casino is still deeply rooted in history, and its focus on the city of Las Vegas allows it to paint a picture of how this corrupt system allowed people like Ace and Ginger to flourish — and then ultimately spit them out.
The film is based on true events and features real-life figures. Sam is based on Frank Rosenthal, who ran the Stardust, Fremont, and Marina casinos for the Chicago Outfit; Nicky and Ginger are based on mob enforcer Anthony Spilotro and former dancer Geri McGee, respectively. But what elevates the film above many of its contemporaries is not just the realism of its depiction of mob life but the clarity with which the story unfolds. Unlike Goodfellas, which can feel slightly disjointed and jumpy at times, Casino’s pacing is more structured and streamlined.
It’s helped by the fact that it features a more recognizable cast and a story that’s more relatable to audiences. The performances are a highlight, with De Niro in particular delivering an excellent performance. But Sharon Stone is the real revelation, and her portrayal of Ginger is one of the best in her career. It’s a big step up from her previous role in Basic Instinct and a reminder of how versatile she was as an actress.
As a result of the strong performances, Casino manages to keep its audience’s attention throughout its runtime. The story is compelling and interesting, with some scenes that are downright thrilling to watch. While there are some moments that may be a bit too graphic for some viewers, the overall movie is well worth watching. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in mob stories or the history of gambling. It’s also a fascinating look at how casinos use psychology to manipulate their guests. By using a combination of flashing lights, engaging sounds, and the excitement of winning money, casinos are able to create an experience that keeps people coming back for more. In addition to leveraging these techniques, casinos use a variety of tactics like setting win/loss limits and time management to help players keep their cool.
