In Casino, Martin Scorsese continues his exploration of mafia culture and society with a harsh tale of gambling corruption. It is an engrossing film that even those who dislike the subject matter can appreciate. Its unique setting in Las Vegas differentiates it from the bulk of other mob movies and allows Scorsese to try some experimentation with visual style. The film is also a bit more focused in its plot than Goodfellas, with less jumpiness and more clear progression of events.
The cast is excellent as usual for a Scorsese movie, starting with Bobby De Niro in a performance that ranks among the best of his career. He is able to convey the full range of emotions that Sam “Ace” Rothstein experiences, from his desire to keep his dignity to the fear of losing everything. He is supported by the always-reliable Joe Pesci, who plays a mobster whose menacing presence far outstrips his actual physical size.
Sharon Stone is perhaps the most memorable of all his leading ladies, a beautiful blonde hustler who knows how to get her money and keep it away from the men around her. She also proves to be a skilled con artist in her own right. Her relationship with Ace is both complicated and heartbreaking, and it is a credit to the writers that their story manages to explore both sides of the dynamic.
James Woods rounds out the main players, and while his character is not as important as the others, he adds to the overall feel of the picture. His performance is a nice change of pace from the other characters, and he does a great job of portraying the feckless gangster that Sam can see through the veneer of his charm.
Scorsese employs some interesting film techniques to tell the story, including using a voice-over to reveal much of the exposition and lingering on shots of tacky 1970s decor. He is also a master of music, frequently using songs to create a mood and set the scene. The film also makes good use of archival footage and interviews with former mob figures to provide authenticity.
While it is not as epic as Scorsese’s other mafia pictures, Casino is an excellent piece of work that deserves a look. It is a compelling depiction of corruption and greed, and the performances are top-notch. It is a must-see for fans of the director and of organized crime movies in general. For those who don’t like either, the film might be too heavy on sex and violence to hold their interest. However, its harsh message of the ruthlessness of gambling and the consequences of being caught should still resonate with them.