Review Of The Classic: Casino

Martin Scorsese’s 1995 crime epic, “Casino,” is a cinematic masterpiece that tells the story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a Jewish-American gambling expert and bookmaker hired to run the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. The movie is based on Nicholas Pileggi’s non-fiction book “Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas,” which he co-wrote with Scorsese. With a star-studded cast, including Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone, and James Woods, “Casino” is a captivating and unforgettable portrayal of the seedy underworld of organized crime.

The movie adopts a money-making philosophy that is applicable today through online casino real money. “Casino” delves into organized crime and the Las Vegas gambling industry, focusing on the relationships between the mob, casino owners, and law enforcement agencies. It explores the intricate workings of the gambling world, where power, money, and greed dominate everything, and everyone has their agenda.

The movie is fast-paced with complex and multi-layered characters while exploring themes of greed, loyalty, and the consequences of actions. It digs into Las Vegas’s seedy underbelly, organized crime, and the dangerous world of high-stakes gambling.

At the heart of the movie is Ace Rothstein, an expert gambler and sports handicapper brought in by the mob to run the Tangiers Casino. Ace is a man obsessed with control, order, and detail. He is a master gambler but is easily susceptible to the temptations of the high life in Las Vegas. Robert De Niro’s portrayal of Ace Rothstein is stunning, and it is one of the best performances of his career.

Joe Pesci, who plays Nicky Santoro, is the perfect foil to Robert De Niro’s character. Nicky is a wild card, a man prone to violence, and isn’t afraid to take chances. He is a Chicago Outfit street thug who rises through the ranks to become Ace’s enforcer in Las Vegas. Pesci’s performance as Nicky is chilling and intense while being one of his most memorable.

The supporting cast is also remarkable, with Sharon Stone offering a brilliant performance as Ginger McKenna, Ace’s wife. Ginger is a former prostitute who dates Ace and later becomes his wife. She is a lady whose psyche has been destroyed irreparably by alcohol and drugs and has an emotional tie to a procurer (James Woods). Stone’s portrayal of Ginger is dramatic and touching, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress nomination.

The technical aspects of the movie are equally impressive. Robert Richardson’s cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the sparkle and glamor of Las Vegas and the city’s darker side. The soundtrack, which includes famous songs from the 1960s and 1970s, adds authenticity and ambiance to the movie.

The screenplay by Nicholas Pileggi and Martin Scorsese is top-notch, with sharp dialogues and memorable one-liners. The film is expertly paced and blends the intricate plot with character development.

One of the most striking parts of “Casino” is how well it captures the spirit of 1970s and 1980s Las Vegas. The film portrays the city as a place where anything can happen, where fortunes can be made and lost in an instant, and where the rules are constantly changing. The film also depicts the city’s seedy side, with its corruption and organized crime.

“Casino” is a cinematic classic that combines Martin Scorsese’s unique visual style and storytelling with outstanding performances from its lead actors. It portrays the gambling industry in a raw and honest light, where power and money reign supreme, and there are repercussions to greed and corruption. It is a movie that will have you on the edge of your seat long after the credits have rolled.

Overall, “Casino” is a classic film that has stood the test of time. It is a masterful exploration of the gambling and organized crime world and boasts some of Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone’s best performances. The film is intense, powerful, and emotionally impactful and is a must-see for anyone who loves crime dramas or movies about Las Vegas.