In a world where it’s easy to feel distant and isolated from one another, casinos are an oasis of human connection. The mingling of people of all backgrounds, the flashing lights and buzzing sound, the sheer spectacle and opulence are enough to make anyone want to step inside and take a chance. Even if the outcome of your gambling session is not what you wanted, it’s still an experience worth having. But how many of us actually walk away from a casino feeling like they took more than they gave? That’s a question that the film Casino raises.
While it might be easy to label Casino as a mob movie, it’s also something of a western. The closest Scorsese has come to making a traditional western in his career, Casino is a tale of how those who control the flow of money become corrupted by lust and hubris. This is a theme that runs throughout the entire film, and it’s what makes it so effective.
At the center of it all is Sam, a man who is constantly trying to maintain a veneer of respectability. The way he works with his workers, speaks to his bosses, and even goes so far as to avoid wearing pants that might creak in the elevator – all of these little details show how much Sam cares about what others think of him. It’s not the only time Scorsese examines this idea, but it’s an important one for him to explore.
What’s interesting about Casino, compared to other movies that have explored Vegas or organized crime, is how much it digs deeper. While most movies focus on a certain decade and focus on the gangsters, Casino is much more of a history lesson about how Vegas was taken over by huge corporations and lost its connection to organized crime. This is a theme that can be traced back to Scorsese’s previous film, Goodfellas, and it shows the depth of his understanding of how Vegas, and Las Vegas in particular, changed and what it was once known for.
Casino is a fascinating movie that should be seen by everyone, not just those interested in the Mob. It reveals how the mighty have fallen due to greed and ego and it is a truly epic movie. Despite its length, it never feels dull or slow and the performances by Sharon Stone and Robert DeNiro are amazing.
Definitely one of the best movies ever made and a must see for anyone who has even the slightest interest in either organized crime or Las Vegas. Casino is a true masterpiece from Martin Scorsese and it’s a shame that this gem is not better recognized. It deserves to be a part of the pantheon of great films along with films like Goodfellas and Raging Bull. This is a film that will stick with you for life. It might not be the most uplifting or happy movie to watch, but it’s certainly the most honest and riveting.