Casino is a 1971 American crime drama film based on the true story of Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal and his takeover of the Stardust hotel and casino in Las Vegas. It features a great cast led by Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone, a performance many consider the best of her career. The movie also showcases the mastery of director Martin Scorsese. He has that implacable quality similar to Spielberg and Kubrick, where he knows what shot should follow which and has an absolute sense of framing and movement that gives the film an unbridled jolt of cinema.
Casino was filmed in Las Vegas, which is an ideal place to capture the opulence and gambling environment. The gaming floor is the heart of a casino, where patrons can play a variety of games that include traditional slot machines and table games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. The casinos offer various programs to reward loyal customers, including loyalty cards and free play credits.
The social aspect of a casino is another key component to its success. Visiting a casino with friends amplifies the fun, as players can share their experiences and celebrate their wins together. It is also a great opportunity to meet new people and make connections that can last a lifetime.
While the mob element of Casino provides some compelling drama, the plot really begins to go downhill once it leaves the casino. The old-fashioned gangster-and-his-moll story feels like it’s been done before and the lack of a deeper psychological angle makes the movie dragged down at times.
