As a film, Casino is one of the most shocking of Scorsese’s career. The torture of a man with a vice, the attempted murder of De Niro by car bomb, and the eventual suicide of Joe Pesci’s character are all disturbing in their own ways. But they are also true to reality – and that’s what makes them so effective. The movie doesn’t glorify the violence; it simply portrays it as it really was.
The opening scene is especially striking. The fast-cut style of the shots is meant to resemble documentary footage, giving viewers the impression that they are watching a behind-the-scenes look at how casinos operate. But as the movie progresses, Scorsese’s editing evolves to almost completely remove narration and let the camera work on its own, focusing on the characters’ decisions and the consequences of those choices.
Casino also reveals how casinos manipulate people into spending more money. Every aspect of a casino is designed to draw players into betting more: lights, sounds, and physical design all play their parts. For example, a casino might have curving paths and strategically placed gaming sections to encourage players to try out a new game or a new table even when they’re on their way to the restroom or an exit. Casinos also offer free drinks and meals to high-rollers, as well as discounted or complimentary hotel rooms.
While we’ve seen mob movies before, including Scorsese’s own Goodfellas, the story in Casino is truly epic. The mafia’s struggle to hold onto Vegas is portrayed as nothing short of a Greek tragedy. Despite its epic nature, the movie never lags or feels boring. Several of the actors, most notably Sharon Stone’s Ginger, deliver some of the best performances of their careers.
