Casino is one of Martin Scorsese’s finest works. It’s a complex, multilayered film about destruction and betrayal. It’s the story of men who ran Las Vegas and controlled the flow of money, but were brought down by lust, hubris, and greed. The film also showcases how gambling can be used as a form of escapism and a way to cope with daily stresses. It helps in releasing feel-good hormones, improves concentration and cognitive function, and offers the opportunity to socialize with others.
Scorsese has created a fascinating world of characters in Casino, and the cast is outstanding. De Niro shines as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a man who knows how to play the game and stay ahead. He is aided by the superb Sharon Stone, whose performance as Ginger McKenna marks a big step for women in cinema. Then there is Joe Pesci, who plays Santoro with the necessary menace and adds tension to every scene.
The film’s depiction of the world of organized crime is convincing and disturbing. It portrays the way in which people get involved in criminal activities and how their lives can fall apart due to avarice, treachery, and violence. It also highlights the fact that there is no room for good guys in this kind of a lifestyle. Unlike Goodfellas, Casino doesn’t romanticize the mob life, but rather conveys its corrupt and twisted nature. It’s a movie that reminds us that even the most feared criminals will eventually lose everything.