Casino (1995) Review

Casino, a 1995 American epic crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, is a gripping portrayal of the rise and fall of Las Vegas mobsters in the 1970s and 1980s. Based on the non-fiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi, the film is a masterful examination of the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas and the violent and corrupt world of organized crime.

The film stars Robert De Niro as Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a Jewish-American sports handicapper who is hired by the Italian-American mob to run the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. Sam is tasked with turning the struggling casino into a profitable operation, and he does so with the help of his friend and enforcer, Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci). However, as Sam becomes more successful, he becomes a target for both the mob and the FBI, leading to his downfall.

One of the strengths of Casino is the complex and nuanced portrayal of its characters. Sam Rothstein, played by De Niro, is a fascinating character who is both charming and ruthless. He is a master at his job, and his attention to detail and business acumen make him an invaluable asset to the mob. However, he is also deeply flawed, with a weakness for his former wife, Ginger (Sharon Stone), and a tendency to let his ego get in the way of his judgment.

Joe Pesci's performance as Nicky Santoro is equally impressive. Santoro is a violent and unpredictable enforcer who will stop at nothing to protect his friends and the interests of the mob. However, his loyalty is often misguided, and his brutal tactics make him a liability for both the mob and Sam.

Sharon Stone's performance as Ginger is also noteworthy. Ginger is a complicated character, with a troubled past and a penchant for self-destructive behavior. Stone brings a vulnerability and complexity to the character, making her both sympathetic and frustrating.

The film's exploration of the corrupt and violent world of organized crime is another standout feature. The film portrays the mob as a powerful and ruthless organization that will do whatever it takes to maintain its power and influence. The violence in the film is graphic and brutal, but it is never gratuitous. It is used to show the consequences of the characters' actions and the harsh reality of the world they inhabit.

The film's use of music is also impressive. The soundtrack features a mix of classic rock songs and original score by composer Robbie Robertson. The music is used to great effect, heightening the tension in key scenes and enhancing the film's overall mood and atmosphere.

The film's visual style is also noteworthy. Scorsese's use of camera movement and editing is masterful, creating a sense of urgency and momentum throughout the film. The film's use of color and lighting is also impressive, with the bright lights and neon signs of Las Vegas serving as a backdrop for the film's dark and violent story.

Casino also features an exceptional score by composer Robbie Robertson, which incorporates a mix of classic rock songs and original compositions. The music is used to great effect, heightening the tension in key scenes and enhancing the film's overall mood and atmosphere.

In conclusion, Casino is a masterful examination of the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas and the violent and corrupt world of organized crime. The film's complex and nuanced characters, impressive performances, and powerful exploration of its themes make it a must-see for any fan of the crime genre. Scorsese's direction is masterful, and the film's use of music and visual style make it a true cinematic experience. Overall, Casino is a classic of American cinema that stands the test of time.