When it comes to movies that show the darker side of Vegas, Casino stands head and shoulders above them all. While other films show opulence, neon signs, and gamblers playing slots and cards, Scorsese delved deeper into the city’s history with organized crime. He also shows how the mob lost control of a town that once minted billions in annual gambling profits.
From the moment the film begins, Casino feels authentic. This is partly due to the cast, led by a marvelous De Niro and a superb Sharon Stone. It’s also because of the way Scorsese frames the action. Unlike his previous movie, Goodfellas, he doesn’t simply present events as they happened, but actively constructs their progression. This gives them more weight and adds tragedy when these characters meet their downfalls.
The story of Casino follows a group of mobster-linked hoods, their rise and fall, and the relationships that form with each other and those around them. As such, there are no “good guys” in this story – just greed and treachery. However, despite this lack of morality, the film is still a convincing depiction of human tragedy. The way each character reaches their downfall is entirely believable and it’s hard not to feel for them in the end.
Ultimately, Casino is a testament to the power of storytelling. It’s an epic tale that reveals much about the human psyche. It’s a story about loyalty, friendship, and betrayal that demonstrates how quickly and completely people can change.
It’s a shame that this is the last time we’ll get to see a film of this calibre from Scorsese. His subsequent work, including The Wolf of Wall Street and a couple of sequels to his earlier hits, is less than memorable. Hopefully, Scorsese will return to this kind of filmmaking in the future.
If you haven’t seen Casino, it’s definitely worth a watch. It’s a three hour movie that moves at a breakneck pace and features some of the best acting performances from this or any other era. It’s a testament to the skill of this great director that the film still holds up so well today.