Written by Jessamyn Davey
Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
The movie Casino, directed by Martin Scorsese, is an iconic masterpiece that captivated audiences with its gripping storyline, stellar performances, and impeccable direction. Set in the glamorous world of Las Vegas during the 1970s, the film tells the intriguing tale of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a professional gambler chosen to run the Tangiers Casino, and his turbulent relationship with his enigmatic wife Ginger and his volatile childhood friend Nicky Santoro.
Casino is a compelling exploration of power, greed, and the dark underbelly of the gambling industry. With its stunning visuals, memorable characters, and an enthralling narrative, the movie has earned a rightful place among the all-time greats in cinema history.
Key Takeaways:
- Casino, released in 1995, is a crime film based on real events in Las Vegas. It features a star-studded cast and explores themes of greed, power, and the dark side of the casino industry.
- The movie Casino, directed by Martin Scorsese, captures the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas while delving into the rise and fall of the Las Vegas Mafia. It’s filled with iconic performances and memorable dialogue.
Casino was released in 1995
Casino, directed by Martin Scorsese, was released in the year It is a crime film that is based on the non-fiction book “Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas” by Nicholas Pileggi.
Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci reunite
The movie marked the eighth collaboration between Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. They had previously worked together in films like Goodfellas and Raging Bull.
Sharon Stone’s iconic performance
Sharon Stone delivered a standout performance in the film, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her portrayal of Ginger McKenna, a hustler and casino hustler’s wife, was widely acclaimed.
Ace Rothstein is based on a real person
The character of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, played by Robert De Niro, is based on the life of Frank Rosenthal, a professional sports bettor and casino executive.
The film showcases the rise and fall of the Las Vegas Mafia
Casino tells the story of the rise and fall of the Las Vegas Mafia during the 1970s and 1980s. It explores the corruption and power struggles within the casino industry.
Martin Scorsese’s meticulous attention to detail
Martin Scorsese is known for his attention to detail, and Casino is no exception. He meticulously recreated the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, capturing the essence of the era.
The film features a star-studded cast
In addition to Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, Casino features a talented ensemble cast including James Woods, Don Rickles, and Kevin Pollak.
Casino was a box office success
The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $116 million worldwide. It was one of the highest-grossing films of 1995.
The soundtrack is filled with classic tunes
Scorsese curated a brilliant soundtrack for Casino, featuring iconic songs from artists like Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones, and Dean Martin.
The film explores themes of greed and betrayal
Casino delves into the dark underbelly of the gambling world, exploring themes of greed, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Scorsese’s trademark long takes
Scorsese’s signature long take shots are prominent in Casino, adding to the authenticity and immersive experience of the film.
Robert De Niro’s character is based on a Jewish gangster
Though Frank Rosenthal was not Jewish in real life, Scorsese decided to portray him as one in the film to draw parallels to the Jewish gangsters of the past.
Casino was filmed in Las Vegas and Los Angeles
The movie was primarily shot in Las Vegas and several locations in and around Los Angeles to recreate the casino scenes.
Real-life mobster locations were used as sets
Scorsese wanted authenticity, so he filmed certain scenes at actual Las Vegas mobster hangouts and casinos from the 1970s.
The film portrays the changing landscape of Las Vegas
Casino showcases the transformation of Las Vegas from a mob-controlled city to a more corporate and regulated gambling industry.
Joe Pesci’s violent and volatile character
Joe Pesci’s portrayal of Nicky Santoro, a violent and unpredictable mobster, is one of his most memorable performances.
The film features Scorsese’s trademark voiceover narration
Like many of Scorsese’s films, Casino includes voiceover narration by multiple characters, providing insights into their thoughts and motivations.
The film’s screenplay was written by Nicholas Pileggi
Nicholas Pileggi, the author of the book on which the film is based, collaborated with Scorsese to write the screenplay for Casino.
The movie received critical acclaim
Casino was well-received by critics, who praised the performances, direction, and attention to detail. It has since gained a cult following.
The film has become a pop culture icon
Several scenes and lines from Casino have entered popular culture, becoming memorable references in various forms of media.
The movie explores the corrupting influence of power
Casino depicts how power can corrupt individuals and lead them down a destructive path, ultimately causing their downfall.
The film’s runtime is over three hours
Casino is an epic crime drama with a runtime of 178 minutes. Scorsese takes his time to unravel the complex narrative.
The film’s costumes and production design
The costumes and production design in Casino perfectly capture the fashion and style of the era, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the film.
The movie addresses the relationship between casinos and politics
Casino delves into the intricate connections between the casino industry, organized crime, and political figures, highlighting their intertwined nature.
The film was edited by Scorsese’s long-time collaborator
Thelma Schoonmaker, who has worked with Scorsese on numerous films, edited Casino. Her precise editing enhances the pacing and narrative flow of the movie.
Casino was nominated for several awards
The film received multiple nominations at prestigious award ceremonies, including the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs.
The opening scene sets the tone for the film
The movie begins with a captivating scene showcasing the intricate operation of a casino, setting the tone for the drama and tension that follows.
The film explores the dark side of the casino industry
Casino exposes the underbelly of the gambling world, with its themes of corruption, greed, and the lengths people will go to maintain control.
Real-life characters were mixed with fictional ones
The movie blends real-life figures from the Las Vegas underworld with fictional characters, creating a captivating narrative that blurs the line between fact and fiction.
The film’s visual style is influenced by classic gangster movies
Scorsese pays homage to classic gangster films with Casino, incorporating visual elements and storytelling techniques from the genre.
The movie’s dialogue is sharp and memorable
Casino is renowned for its sharp and memorable dialogue, filled with wit, profanity, and quotable one-liners.
The ending is open to interpretation
The film concludes with an open-ended ending, leaving the fate of the characters up for interpretation and sparking discussions among viewers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Casino” is a captivating and thrilling movie that takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride through the high-stakes world of Las Vegas casinos. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci, the film offers an inside look into the dark underbelly of the gambling industry. With its compelling storyline, impeccable performances, and stunning cinematography, “Casino” remains a classic in the crime genre. Whether you’re a fan of intense drama, gripping plot twists, or simply appreciate exceptional filmmaking, this movie is a must-watch.The 32 facts listed above provide a deeper understanding of the production, the cast, and the real-life events that inspired the film. From the accurate depiction of notorious mobster Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal to the extravagant sets and costumes, “Casino” is a masterclass in storytelling. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of the casino world.
FAQs
1. Is “Casino” based on a true story?
Yes, “Casino” is inspired by the book “Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas” by Nicholas Pileggi, which details the story of real-life mobster Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal and his involvement with the mafia-controlled casinos in Las Vegas.
2. Who directed “Casino”?
The movie was directed by Martin Scorsese, known for his work in iconic films such as “Goodfellas,” “Taxi Driver,” and “The Departed.
3. Who are the main stars in the movie?
“Casino” features an incredible cast including Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. De Niro portrays Sam “Ace” Rothstein, Stone plays Ginger McKenna, and Pesci delivers a memorable performance as Nicholas “Nicky” Santoro.
4. What is the runtime of the movie?
“Casino” has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 58 minutes.
5. In what year was “Casino” released?
The movie was released in 1995.
6. What happened to the real-life characters portrayed in the film?
Frank Rosenthal survived multiple assassination attempts and later moved to Florida. Ginger McKenna, based on Rosenthal’s real-life ex-wife Geri McGee, tragically died of a drug overdose. Nicholas Santoro, also based on a real mobster, became a government witness, leading to the downfall of many organized crime figures.
7. Has “Casino” won any awards?
Yes, the film received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress (Sharon Stone) and a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama.
8. Can I watch “Casino” on popular streaming platforms?
Yes, “Casino” is available for streaming on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
If you're fascinated by the world of Casino, why not explore more captivating facts about the film's legendary director, Martin Scorsese? Uncover the secrets behind the mafia and their influence on Las Vegas. Dive deeper into the career of the film's iconic star, Robert De Niro, and discover even more intriguing details about his life and work.
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