After the success of Goodfellas, which gave new legitimacy to mafia movies, Universal signed Martin Scorsese to direct Casino. Though it lacks the pizzazz of that film and is more of a gangster drama than an epic, it is nonetheless an important movie. Its themes of loyalty and betrayal resonate with audiences. The movie is also a fascinating look at the inner workings of a casino. The scene with Ace and Nicky discussing the rigged wheel of chance is one of the most memorable in cinema history.
Casino is not an advocacy of the mob lifestyle but a cautionary tale about its perils. As such, it is an essential study of American criminality and the nature of organized crime. Those who see the film may feel a little less envious of the bad guys after seeing how they worked their way up the ladder of corruption and bribery. Those who have never been involved with organized crime may find it interesting to learn how the mafia operates.
The film is not only about the mafia but also about gambling and the psychology of its customers. It is a bit of a time capsule for the era in which it was made. Its scenes of high-end gambling are a throwback to a time when casinos actually had to compete for patrons. They did this by offering free spectacular entertainment and luxurious living quarters. They also provided gamblers with reduced-fare transportation and free drinks and cigarettes while they were playing. The film also demonstrates how casino employees could manipulate the odds of games to increase their profits. For example, the use of a certain amount of blueberries in a slot machine could make it appear to be more or less fruitful. Casinos today still try to create this manufactured bliss by wafting a special scent through the ventilation system and using dazzling lights to keep people gambling.
Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci are both excellent as the two main characters in the movie. The relationship between the two is very compelling to watch and the dynamics of their characters are well-developed. It is interesting to watch how Ace and Nicky are so different from each other. While Ace is a very smart man who is careful with his money, Nicky is a scumbag who lets anger guide his decisions. The movie also shows how greed can destroy even the most virtuous of people.
The film is also notable for its use of music and sound effects to create a mood or atmosphere. The soundtrack is excellent, with a number of songs by Bob Dylan, including “Sarah Virginia,” “When I’m alone,” and “Sweet Marijuana.” Other popular tunes from the era include “Little Miss Stranger” by Bob Dylan and “Frank Sinatra’s My Kind of Town” by Frank Sinatra. The sound effects in the film are also very impressive, such as the smack of a baseball bat hitting a person in a torture scene.