I. Introduction
When we talk about crime-mob related movies, there are a few classics that immediately come to mind. Martin Scorsese’s 1995 film “Casino” is one of them. Starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci, “Casino” is a gripping and dramatic portrayal of the mafia’s effort to control the Las Vegas casinos in the 1970s. The movie draws from real-life events and features some of the most notorious gangsters in American history. In this article, we will provide a deeper look at the story behind the classic film and analyze its historical accuracy and underlying messages.
II. Narrative Retelling
The plot of “Casino” revolves around Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a professional gambler who is assigned to run a casino in Las Vegas by the mob. Rothstein’s task is to ensure that the casino stays profitable while also paying off the mob bosses. Along with his best friend Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), a ruthless enforcer, and Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone), his beautiful and reckless wife, Rothstein plays a dangerous game of power and control in a town where the line between legitimate business and organized crime is dangerously blurry.
While the movie takes some creative liberties with the true story, it is largely based on a book by Nicholas Pileggi, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scorsese. The book and the movie draw heavily from the real-life events surrounding the Stardust and Hacienda casinos, which were controlled by the Chicago Outfit, a criminal organization in the 1970s.
The movie accurately shows how powerful organized crime was at the time, not just in Las Vegas but throughout the country. It portrays the high stakes games of power and control, as different factions within the mob jockeyed for influence over the casinos. However, some characters are fictional or composites of real people, and some of the events depicted in the movie were dramatized for the sake of the story.
III. Behind-the-Scenes Look
Scorsese’s direction is masterful in “Casino,” and it is no wonder why the film has become a classic. The serene visuals and perfectly curated music create a powerful cinematic experience that transports viewers to a different era. The visuals are punctuated by the signature highs and lows of the crimes and intrigue as the story unfolds.
Several creative decisions made by Scorsese and his team deserve a closer look. For instance, he puts the spotlight on the explosive character played by Joe Pesci, a move that paid off, culminating in an Oscar win for the actor. Sharon Stone also delivers an incredible performance as Ginger, a role that earned her a Golden Globe.
While Scorsese’s team excelled in virtually every aspect of the making of “Casino,” a great deal of effort was spent on making the portrayal of the Las Vegas underworld and its criminal activities as accurate as possible. Sam Rothstein’s sports betting scheme with the Italian mobsters is an actual event that happened in the 1970s. Likewise, the warning that the mob gives Rothstein in the movie about Ace’s car bombing refers to a real incident where Frank Rosenthal survived a car bombing but escaped with a minor injury.
IV. True Crime Analysis
To fully understand the gritty world that serves as the backdrop of “Casino,” we need to delve into the true story behind it. The film shines a light on the Las Vegas mob and the individuals who facilitated their criminal activities. Most prominently, it portrays the relationship between Anthony Spilotro, played chillingly by Joe Pesci, and Frank Rosenthal, the real-life inspiration for Rothstein.
The movie and real-life events are shockingly similar in their depictions of the most violent incidents carried out by the mob. In the true story, Spilotro’s reputation was so fearsome that his presence was enough to persuade a customer to pay his debts in full on the spot. There was no need for violence.
The movie also accurately portrays the All-American Sports betting scheme which Rothstein used to run millions of dollars for the Italian mobsters. In real life, the scheme netted millions for the mobsters, and the complete lack of FBI resources compared to now allowed them to do it for more than a decade without anyone ever knowing.
V. Film Critique
When it comes to film critique, “Casino” is a masterpiece. With its strong screenplay, masterful performances, and stunning visuals, it is a movie that has truly stood the test of time. Scorsese crafted a cinematic experience that not only tells a gripping story but also provides an insightful look into the era of organized crime in Las Vegas. The movie’s influence can be seen in several subsequent casino-themed films, including “Ocean’s Eleven” and “The Gambler.”
One of the key reasons why “Casino” endures to this day is because of its cultural impact. The movie, along with others like “Goodfellas,” sparked a renewed interest in the mafia and organized crime. The film’s influence can be seen in popular television shows such as “The Sopranos” and “Boardwalk Empire.”
VI. Sociological Examination
“Casino” not only portrays the mafia’s rise in Las Vegas but also the sociological factor’s behind it. Many people risked their livelihoods and even their lives to get a piece of this illegal action, with the lure of getting a better life without facing many difficulties.
The film also raises moral and ethical questions, as it depicts the mob bosses as charismatic and charming individuals who lead lavish lifestyles. However, these were the same people who committed heinous crimes, profiting from people’s addiction to gambling, drugs, and other vices.
Furthermore, the presence of organized crime had a significant impact on the culture of Las Vegas, creating the idea that anything was possible if you had enough money and the right connections. While organized crime has declined in Las Vegas since its heyday in the 1970s, the legacy of the mob and its activities still lingers in popular imagination.
VII. Conclusion
In conclusion, “Casino” is a gripping film that tells a story of power, control, and crime in Las Vegas. It offers both a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a classic film and a true crime analysis of the historical events that inspired the movie. Martin Scorsese’s direction stands out, as does the cast in some of their career-best performances. This film truly remains an all-time classic.
As viewers, we are left with a sense that the violent, corrupt world of organized crime is just one step removed from our own reality. This sociological examination of American capitalism in action serves as a warning of the dangers of greed and excess. For lovers of cinema and true crime aficionados alike, “Casino” is a must-see.