Casinos are gambling establishments that offer a range of card and slot games. These casinos often boast opulent decor and top-notch service. Some are even home to world-renowned chefs and luxurious dining options. Casinos are a source of entertainment for people of all ages, and can be enjoyed by both tourists and locals alike.
Unlike other movies that portray Sin City, Casino is not content to simply showcase its glitz and glamour. It explores Vegas’ dark side, examining the city’s past ties with organized crime. And it’s this exploration that gives the film its enduring relevance.
Scorsese’s opening sequence plays almost like a documentary. It features a narration, and characters such as Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro) explaining how the mob skimmed millions from Vegas casinos. This slick and effective opening allows Casino to grab the viewer’s attention from the start.
The movie then proceeds to uncover the intricacies of the Mafia’s relationship with Las Vegas, and its many shady dealings. It reveals the connections between casinos, politicians, Teamsters unions, and mob families based in Chicago and Kansas City. It also explains how casinos shook down their patrons for cash and chips that were then sent to the mob’s coffers.
While it’s true that Casino is not as good as Scorsese’s best work, such as Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, it still holds its own. In addition to De Niro and Pesci, the movie is elevated by a brilliant performance from Sharon Stone. She is as mesmerizing here as she was in Basic Instinct. She exudes a dangerous charm that’s hard to ignore.