To truly watch Martin Scorsese’s Casino (1995) is to immerse yourself not just in its visual spectacle, but to understand its intricate web of power, violence, and moral decay that defines the Las Vegas underworld. This guide dissects the film, offering a roadmap for a truly enriching viewing experience.
Understanding Scorsese’s Vegas
Before pressing play, grasp the context. Casino isn’t just a gangster flick; it’s a meticulous reconstruction of a specific era – the 1970s and early 80s Las Vegas. Scorsese, drawing heavily from Nicholas Pileggi’s non-fiction book “Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas,” presents a semi-documentary style, using narration to convey vast amounts of information about the inner workings of the mob’s control over the casinos. Knowing this upfront sets the stage for a deeper appreciation of the film’s authenticity.
Setting the Scene: The Mob’s Grip on Vegas
The movie hinges on the premise that the mob controlled a significant portion of Las Vegas. This wasn’t a metaphor; it was a reality. Understand that the casinos were cash cows, milked dry by skimming profits before they were reported to the IRS. This skimming operation, meticulously planned and executed, is central to the plot.
Beyond the Glamour: Corruption and Violence
Don’t be fooled by the glitz and glamour. Beneath the surface lies a brutal world of corruption, betrayal, and extreme violence. Scorsese doesn’t shy away from depicting this reality, showcasing the consequences of greed and unchecked power. Be prepared for scenes of intense brutality, which, while shocking, are integral to the film’s narrative and thematic impact.
Characters: The Triad of Power
At the heart of Casino lies a complex relationship between three central characters: Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro), Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), and Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone). Understanding their roles and motivations is crucial for interpreting the film.
Ace Rothstein: The Calculating Operator
Ace, based on real-life gambling expert Frank Rosenthal, is a master strategist. He’s brought in by the mob to run the Tangiers casino efficiently. He understands numbers, probabilities, and the human element. Ace represents the facade of legitimacy the mob sought to maintain. He’s the brains behind the operation, constantly striving for control and order.
Nicky Santoro: The Enforcer
Nicky, based on Tony Spilotro, is Ace’s childhood friend and a ruthless enforcer. He represents the brute force behind the operation. Nicky is volatile, unpredictable, and driven by a thirst for power. His presence ensures that anyone who steps out of line faces swift and brutal consequences. He’s the muscle.
Ginger McKenna: The Untouchable
Ginger, a high-end prostitute and con artist, embodies the allure and danger of Las Vegas. She’s seductive, manipulative, and deeply flawed. Her relationship with Ace is turbulent, driven by mutual attraction and distrust. Ginger represents the instability and unpredictable nature of the casino world. She’s the wildcard.
Watching for the Details
Casino is a film rich in detail. Pay close attention to the following:
The Narration
The narration, primarily provided by Ace and Nicky, offers contrasting perspectives on the events unfolding. It provides valuable insights into their motivations and the overall operation. Notice how their narratives often contradict each other, highlighting the inherent biases and complexities of the story.
The Visuals
Scorsese’s direction is masterful. Notice the use of camera angles, editing techniques, and color palettes to create a specific mood and convey the underlying tension. Pay attention to the lavish sets, costumes, and music, which all contribute to the film’s immersive atmosphere.
The Dialogue
The dialogue is sharp, witty, and often laced with profanity. Listen carefully to the nuances of the language, as it reveals the characters’ personalities and relationships. The profanity, while excessive at times, is authentic to the world being depicted.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Casino
1. Is Casino based on a true story?
Yes, Casino is loosely based on the real-life story of Frank Rosenthal (Ace Rothstein) and Anthony Spilotro (Nicky Santoro), as detailed in Nicholas Pileggi’s book “Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas.” While characters’ names and some events were altered for dramatic effect, the core narrative reflects the mob’s influence on Las Vegas casinos in the 1970s and 80s.
2. What is “skimming” in the context of the movie?
Skimming refers to the illegal practice of taking money from casino profits before those profits are reported to the government for tax purposes. This unreported money was then funneled back to the mob bosses who controlled the casinos.
3. Why does Ace not get “made” (become a full member of the Mafia)?
Ace is Jewish, and membership in the Italian Mafia typically requires being of Italian descent. He’s valuable for his skills and expertise, but his ethnicity prevents him from being formally inducted into the organization.
4. What is the significance of the ice pick scene?
The ice pick scene, though brutal, serves as a chilling reminder of the mob’s ruthlessness. It illustrates the extreme consequences for those who betray the organization or threaten its power. It’s a turning point in the film, showcasing Nicky’s descent into unchecked violence.
5. Why does Ginger ultimately betray Ace?
Ginger’s betrayal stems from a combination of factors, including her discontent with her marriage to Ace, her lingering feelings for Lester Diamond (James Woods), her addiction to drugs and alcohol, and her fear of the consequences of being associated with the mob. She feels trapped and seeks a way out, even if it means jeopardizing Ace and her own safety.
6. What happened to Ace Rothstein after the events depicted in the film?
In real life, Frank Rosenthal survived an assassination attempt and continued to work in the gambling industry. He eventually moved to California and Florida, working as a sports consultant. He died in 2008 at the age of 79.
7. Why does the mob eventually turn on Nicky?
Nicky’s increasingly reckless and violent behavior, particularly his refusal to heed warnings from the mob bosses, makes him a liability. His actions attract unwanted attention from law enforcement and threaten the entire skimming operation. The mob decides to eliminate him to protect their interests.
8. What is the role of the FBI in the film?
The FBI plays a crucial role in investigating the mob’s activities in Las Vegas. Their surveillance and wiretapping eventually lead to the downfall of several key figures in the organization, including Ace and Nicky. The FBI’s presence represents the growing threat to the mob’s control.
9. How does Casino compare to Scorsese’s other gangster films, like Goodfellas?
While both Casino and Goodfellas explore the world of organized crime, Casino focuses specifically on the mob’s influence on Las Vegas and the inner workings of the casino industry. Goodfellas, on the other hand, focuses on the lives of individual gangsters within the Mafia hierarchy. Casino is arguably more sprawling and epic in scope, whereas Goodfellas is more character-driven.
10. What are some of the recurring themes in Casino?
Key themes in Casino include greed, power, betrayal, corruption, the illusion of control, and the destructive nature of ambition. The film explores how these themes intertwine to create a world where morality is constantly compromised.
11. What makes Sharon Stone’s performance in Casino so acclaimed?
Sharon Stone delivers a career-defining performance as Ginger McKenna. She perfectly captures Ginger’s allure, vulnerability, and self-destructive tendencies. Her portrayal is nuanced and complex, showcasing Ginger’s internal struggles and her descent into chaos.
12. What is the significance of the final scene with Ace?
The final scene, where Ace is seen back working as a sports handicapper, suggests that even after experiencing the heights of power and wealth, he ultimately reverts to his original profession. It implies that the allure of gambling and the desire for control remain ingrained in his character, regardless of the consequences. The scene underscores the cyclical nature of his life and the enduring power of addiction.
Beyond the Credits: Continuing the Exploration
After watching Casino, consider exploring documentaries about the real-life figures portrayed in the film, such as Frank Rosenthal and Tony Spilotro. Reading Nicholas Pileggi’s book “Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas” provides even more context and detail about the events depicted. By delving deeper into the historical background and the individuals involved, you can gain a richer and more nuanced understanding of this cinematic masterpiece. Remember, watching Casino is not just about witnessing a story; it’s about experiencing a meticulously crafted portrayal of a specific time and place, brought to life by one of cinema’s greatest directors.