Casino is a brilliant movie by Martin Scorsese and even though it’s a notch below his masterpieces like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Hugo, it’s still streets ahead of all the rest. Few films are as complex, multilayered, and beautifully directed. It’s a story of destruction and betrayal and it is amazing to watch how these characters fall from the heights of power due to their lust, greed, and hubris. It’s the perfect example of how the mob once dominated Vegas and lost control to huge gambling corporations.
The movie is based on the real-life story of Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal and his Stardust hotel in Las Vegas which was later renamed the Tangiers. The film stars Robert De Niro as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a casino owner who is being mobbed by his associates and is forced to move out west. He’s a good guy at heart but he wants to be in charge of his own operation and that’s where the trouble begins. He enlists the help of his mobster friend Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci) to take care of business in Las Vegas but their partnership soon runs into problems.
Gambling is legal in Nevada and casinos are becoming more common as states realize that it can be a lucrative industry. In addition to drawing in tourists, it can also increase the local population by attracting highly skilled workers. This helps to lower unemployment rates. However, crime still happens around casinos and is a major concern for many people.
If you’re planning to gamble, it is important to know your limits and stick to them. Start with a fixed amount of money you’re willing to lose, and don’t exceed that limit. Also, try to visit a casino when it’s not as busy so you can get the attention of the staff if needed. In addition, try to avoid drinking too much free alcohol. It can be tempting to sip on those complimentary drinks, but it’s important to remember that alcohol clouds judgement and increases the likelihood of making bad decisions while gambling.
Casino is a fantastic film that shows the highs and lows of the world of organized crime. The performances of De Niro and Pesci are impeccable, but the best performance in the movie comes from Sharon Stone who steals the show as a femme fatale who is addicted to men, money, and sex. It’s a must-see for any fan of Scorsese or the mafia genre. It’s a harsh and brutal tale of betrayal, greed, and destruction but it rises above anything petty. It’s an epic in every sense of the word and even those who don’t enjoy gambling will find something to admire about this film.