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Casino chronicles the true story of a casino owner, played by Robert De Niro, and his close friend, up-and-coming gangster Nicky Santoro, played by the always entertaining Joe Pesci. The film goes deep, evaluating many moral dilemmas, showing a very in depth look at just how hectic it can be to own a casino, whilst at the same time having to sometimes baby-sit, and work with a ruthless gangster, who shows no respect for anything whatsoever. Joe Pesci returns to his brand here, like his character in Goodfellas and Raging Bull; the uptight, volatile guy who can, and probably will erupt at any moment. Let’s be honest, would Goodfellas, or this film be the same without the crazy Pesci? Personally, I bid not. They’d still be great though.
Directing this picture is Martin Scorsese; the renowned mafia film director, and my personal favorite. There really is nobody in this world with the masterful skills Scorsese was blessed with, and I believe his name will always be at the top of the list, when discussing the greatest gangster themed films ever made. With The Departed, Goodfellas, Mean Streets, and now Casino, this man simply cannot be touched, at least in that department. He has some great range, as he also created Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The Aviator, and also treading in the horror department with Cape Fear, and Shutter Island. This guy does it all.
Casino is presented within the same style as Goodfellas. The opening scene is very similar, in that it begins with De Niro narrating the story, letting the audience know just exactly what’s going on. Scorsese owns the genre, so his style doesn’t run cold. The narrative is brilliant. Not up to par with his best work, but it works to a tee, and really draws you into the nasty underbelly of the mafia world. De Niro is Sam “Ace” Rothstein, and he’s just been granted ownership of a Vegas casino. At first he’s doing great, making good money, maintaining good control, and all of his employees are working admirably. As time progresses, he realizes that this job isn’t as basic as it first appeared. Outsiders belonging to powerful organizations start messing up Sam’s system, disrespecting all the rules, acting as if they own the place. However, that’s just the least of his concerns, as pretty much everything begins to spiral out of control. Then enters Joe Pesci’s character, Nicky Santoro; an egotistical, violent, and selfish gangster, wanting in on Sam’s business. Sam accepts his best friend in, things go even worse, and chaos ensues as Santoro becomes greedy, and loathing for all the money he can obtain, in any way possible. This is one powerful film, not just the underworld of organized crime, but the emotional tensions that boil up between two pals who want completely different things, and the opposite paths they each take. As the film moves along, Sam meets Ginger, played very well by Sharon Stone, a money-grubbing woman who wants nothing more out of Sam, then his income. That doesn’t help Rothstein’s situation, as Nicky gets banned from every Las Vegas Casino, leaving the two’s friendship in jeopardy. Absolutely mesmerizing performances throughout, even some actors from Scorsese’s previous efforts, who do not disappoint. De Niro’s performance is by the far the greatest of the bunch, but then again, when isn’t he spectacular? James Woods plays Ginger’s pimp, a man with no moral compass, a man who uses Ginger for whatever cash she can grab from Sam. Also in the mix is Sam’s child, who becomes involved at the wrong time, as Woods’ character tries taking control of the family.
The name Martin Scorsese is implanted across every scene in this film, with his normal gritty and realistic violence, some brutal ones as well, a montage when things begin to change. He paces this film almost perfectly, with the exception of a few missteps along the way, but he more than makes up for it with the remainder. The soundtrack is used brilliantly, mixing in with the ever-changing, downward spiral of Sam and Nicky’s empire. What you see may surprise you, boggle your mind, and most likely impress you. Casino is another gem from master director Martin Scorsese. Not to be missed if you’re a fan of his, or if you’re a lover of Goodfellas.
9.5/10
