1. What is "Casino"? An American Crime Epic
Released in 1995, Casino is a sprawling American epic crime film directed by Martin Scorsese. It chronicles the rise and fall of a mob-run casino in Las Vegas during the 1970s, exploring themes of greed, power, deception, and the brutal realities behind the city's glamorous facade.
2. The Plot: Power, Greed, and the Fall of an Empire
The film follows Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a brilliant gambling handicapper sent by the Chicago Outfit to run the Tangiers Casino. His success is complicated by the arrival of his hot-headed enforcer friend, Nicky Santoro, and his tumultuous relationship with a beautiful and manipulative hustler, Ginger McKenna.
3. The Main Characters: An Unforgettable Ensemble
The film is driven by its three central performances:
- Sam "Ace" Rothstein (Robert De Niro): The meticulous and brilliant casino operator.
- Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone): The charismatic but self-destructive hustler.
- Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci): The volatile and violent mob enforcer.
4. The Director: Martin Scorsese's Masterful Vision
Following the success of Goodfellas, Scorsese returned to the world of organized crime with a grander, more operatic vision. His direction is characterized by dazzling cinematography, a dynamic soundtrack, and a meticulous attention to the details of 1970s Las Vegas.
5. The True Story Behind the Movie
Casino is based on the non-fiction book by Nicholas Pileggi. The character of Sam Rothstein is based on the real-life casino executive Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, who ran the Stardust, Hacienda, and Fremont casinos for the Chicago Outfit. Nicky Santoro is based on the infamous mob enforcer Tony "The Ant" Spilotro.
6. The Real Tangiers: The Stardust Casino
The fictional Tangiers Casino in the film is a stand-in for the real-life Stardust Resort and Casino. The Stardust was one of the most famous casinos on the Las Vegas Strip and was secretly controlled by the mob for many years, as depicted in the movie.
7. The Iconic Style & Cinematography
The film is a visual feast, known for its flamboyant costumes, lavish set designs, and Robert Richardson's stunning cinematography. The camera work is constantly moving, capturing the energy and excess of Las Vegas.
8. The Legendary Soundtrack
The soundtrack is a crucial part of the film's identity, featuring a wall-to-wall collection of pop, rock, and blues hits from the 1960s and '70s. Artists like The Rolling Stones, Devo, and Muddy Waters provide the backdrop to the story's unfolding drama.
9. Memorable Quotes That Defined the Film
Casino is filled with iconic lines, from Ace's opening narration, "There are three ways of doing things around here: the right way, the wrong way, and the way that *I* do it," to Nicky's chilling threats.
10. The Film's Enduring Influence on Pop Culture
Decades after its release, Casino remains a cornerstone of the gangster genre. Its style, characters, and depiction of Las Vegas have been referenced and parodied in countless other films, TV shows, and music videos.
11. *Casino* vs. *Goodfellas*: A Cinematic Comparison
While often compared to Scorsese's earlier masterpiece, Goodfellas, Casino is a different beast. It is grander in scope, more focused on the mechanics of a criminal empire, and carries a more tragic, almost Shakespearean tone in its depiction of the characters' inevitable downfall.
12. Glossary of *Casino* Movie Terms
Skim: The illegal act of taking cash from the casino count room before it is officially recorded. Handicapper: Someone who studies and wagers on sporting events. The Outfit: The Chicago-based crime syndicate.