After the massive success of Goodfellas, which introduced mob movies to a new audience, Universal Studios gave Martin Scorsese a blank slate for his next film. Based on the fact-based book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi, the film was an epic crime drama about how the mafia lost control of a city that was minting money by the billions. It also boasted a stacked cast of characters with major star power, including the legendary Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, completing their collaboration that started in Raging Bull.
While Casino is a gangster movie, it does not feature any “good guys.” Instead, every character is mired in violence and treachery, making it easy to root against them. The film has its share of twists and turns, but it is ultimately a story about the pitfalls of greed and the ultimate fall from grace.
The setting for Casino is what separates it from most of the other mob movies out there. In addition to introducing the world of gambling, it also showcases how corrupt Vegas truly was in the 1980s. The movie lays bare the tangled web of corruption that permeated all aspects of the city, from the strip casinos to local businesses and even the Teamsters unions. It is a fascinating study on how an entire town can be brought down by a single individual.
Scorsese delivers on the action and suspense that he is known for, with a fast-paced narrative that never drags or runs out of steam. Despite its three-hour run time, the film never feels long or overly padded. The director is able to keep the energy going by employing a taut narrative structure and masterful editing. He is also aided by the outstanding performances of his stars, especially Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci.
As a result, the characters are compelling and complex. It is easy to empathize with the plight of characters like Sam, who is brought down by his own lust for power. The movie also features a strong supporting cast, led by the brilliant Eytan Fox as Frank Rosenthal.
Lastly, Scorsese succeeds at capturing the essence of Vegas. From the fake plants and trees to the scented air, the setting is designed to create a manufactured sense of bliss. The movie does not shy away from the brutality of organized crime, but it also manages to convey a certain glorification of the city and its inhabitants.
Casino is one of the finest films that Scorsese has ever made. It is an expertly crafted film that takes its audience on a wild ride of destruction and betrayal. It is a must-see for fans of the director and anyone who loves an epic tale of crime and deceit. If you have not seen it yet, give it a shot today! You will not regret it. Thanks to this masterpiece, the city of Vegas is no longer the same. It is now a family friendly Disneyland.
