Casino is the film that established Martin Scorsese as a master of American cinema. Its themes of greed and betrayal have echoed throughout his subsequent work. Its cast is among the greatest in movie history, with Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone giving some of their finest performances. It also showcases the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, although its true nature is not always as glamorous as it might seem.
Unlike Goodfellas, which was much more focused on the characters’ professional lives and the tumultuous relationships that surrounded them, Casino is about gambling in a broader sense. It is a story of people who are drawn to the thrill of risk and betrayal, yet their actions are ultimately doomed to end in tragedy. It is the perfect example of the concept that states “no one rises to the top forever.”
This was a very difficult film for Scorsese to make, and it was the first time that he has portrayed the Mafia as anything other than a violent hellscape. The violence is heightened and gruesome, including a torture-by-vice sequence featuring a popped eyeball and a shockingly edited and sound-designed baseball bat beating that had to be trimmed to avoid an NC-17 rating. Despite the violence, Casino does not feel exploitative, and it is very effective at establishing its worldview.
As with his previous films, Scorsese uses Casino to explore a variety of topics and styles. The opening scene has the feel of a documentary, with narration and scenes filmed in a style that resembles a Steadicam. This technique is a key element of his style, and it makes the viewer feel like they are eavesdropping on a secret.
In the opening scene, we see Ace Rothstein in his money counting room at the Tangiers. He is counting the mob’s take from the games while trying to keep his crooked partners in check. The scene is a brilliantly constructed homage to Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls, which was released the same year as Casino.
Casino is a riveting, lean thriller that never slows down or loses momentum. Its epic running time of three hours is a testament to its taut editing and gripping narrative. It also features a brilliant performance by Sharon Stone, who proves that she can excel in anything she takes on. Her character is a smart, seductive woman who knows how to lure men in and then steal their money. Her dynamic with the more refined Sam Rothstein is the key to the film’s success. The two actors perfectly capture the essence of their characters, making the three-hour ride a true pleasure to watch. It is no wonder that Casino continues to be a cult classic. It is a must-watch for any film buff.