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If you’re looking for what has to be the greatest ever movie made largely about betting and gambling – or at least asset in the gambling world, then one of the top contenders has to be Martin Scorsese’s 1995 movie – simply called “Casino”.
The movie is also notable for the fact that it must be the best film ever starring Sharon Stone – who has been in some howlers over the years.
Now you’ve probably seen this movie – but not for a while. If so – it’s a real treat to revisit it. If, on the other hand, it’s one you’ve never got around to seeing, then you truly are in for a thoroughly enjoyable three hours – particularly if you’re a Scorsese fan.
The movie brings together again the “Goodfellas” pairing of Robert De Niro as Sam “Ace” Rothstein and Joe Pesci who plays the aggressive mobster Nicky Santoro.
In a world that is now partially taken over by online casinos and gambling – the movie harks back to a time which seems a long time ago. It’s set mainly in the 1970s with all the garish glitz that brings with it – in Las Vegas. It’s also set at a time when the Vegas casinos were run by the mafia.
Rothstein is a handicapper working for the Mafia who has been brought in to oversee the running of the Tangiers casino. His character is based on the real-life Frank Rosenthal – who ran the Hacienda, Stardust and Fremont casinos for the mob’s “Chicago Outfit” during the 1970s and early 80s.
Nicky Santoro, meanwhile, is based on the real-life character Anthony Spilotro, who was an “enforcer” for the Mob. Nicky is in Las Vegas to ensure the correct skimming from the casinos for the Mob.
Sharon Stone is “Ginger”, Ace’s wife, a role she played so well that she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture–Drama along with an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
Along with Godfather 2, this is the best movie about the murky world of Las Vegas betting and gambling there is – so go and watch it at once!