The film you’re referring to is “Casino” (1995), directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. It’s a crime drama based on the real-life events surrounding the rise and fall of mob-controlled casinos in Las Vegas in the 1970s and 1980s. Here’s some information about the film:

Casino (1995): A Look at the Mob-Run World of Las Vegas

“Casino” is a gripping crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, which takes an in-depth look at the world of organized crime and its involvement in the glamorous, yet dangerous, casino industry of Las Vegas. The movie is based on the true story of the rise and fall of Ace Rothstein, a character portrayed by Robert De Niro, and his association with the mob-run casinos in Las Vegas.

Plot Summary

The story of Casino revolves around Ace Rothstein (De Niro), a professional gambler and casino manager who is brought in by the Chicago Outfit to run the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. Ace’s rise in the world of gambling, combined with his meticulous management style, leads him to immense success, but also draws the attention of Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), a volatile enforcer with deep ties to the mob. Alongside him is Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone), a beautiful but troubled woman whom Ace marries, only to become entangled in a toxic and destructive relationship.

As Ace grows more involved with the casino, his life begins to unravel. Nicky’s reckless violence and Ginger’s instability cause constant problems, all while the mob begins to lose its grip on the casino industry due to law enforcement pressure. The film paints a stark picture of the corruption, greed, and betrayal that are central to the mob’s hold on the casino world.

Main Characters

• Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro): A brilliant sports gambler turned casino manager, Ace is a meticulous and calculating character who tries to maintain control over the casino. Despite his success, his life is marred by betrayal, violence, and his troubled relationship with Ginger.
• Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone): Ginger is a former hustler who is swept into Ace’s world when he marries her. She is both his greatest love and his most significant source of trouble. Sharon Stone’s performance earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.
• Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci): Nicky is a mob enforcer who is Ace’s close friend and ally. However, his violent tendencies and reckless behavior create chaos at the casino. Joe Pesci’s portrayal of Nicky is one of the film’s most memorable and intense performances.
• Sam Rothstein’s World: The film takes a close look at the high-stakes gambling world, with a focus on how the mafia infiltrated the Las Vegas casinos, making massive profits through money laundering, fraud, and violence.

Themes of the Movie

1. Power and Greed: One of the primary themes of Casino is the way greed drives people to extremes. The film explores how the characters’ lust for power, wealth, and control ultimately leads to their destruction. Ace’s obsession with maintaining order, Nicky’s reckless ambition, and Ginger’s desires all intertwine to create a tense and volatile environment.
2. Trust and Betrayal: Trust is a major motif, as Ace’s belief in his relationship with Ginger and his trust in Nicky is shattered. Throughout the film, we witness how betrayal, even from those closest to you, is a constant threat in a world driven by organized crime.
3. The Illusion of the American Dream: In many ways, Casino critiques the American Dream by showing that it’s often built on corruption, manipulation, and crime. While Ace and the other characters seem to attain their goals of wealth and power, it comes at a severe personal cost.
4. The Changing Face of Las Vegas: The film also reflects on how Las Vegas evolved during this time—from a mob-controlled city to one that became more corporate and commercially driven. The shift represents the fading of the old ways and the beginning of a new era in both the city’s history and the world of casinos.

Critical Reception

Casino was widely praised for its performances, direction, and cinematography. Robert De Niro received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Ace, while Joe Pesci’s performance as the violent, unpredictable Nicky was hailed as another triumph. Sharon Stone’s portrayal of Ginger also earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Although Casino was not as commercially successful as some of Scorsese’s other films, it has become a cult classic and is considered one of the best crime dramas ever made.

Awards and Nominations

• Sharon Stone was nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her performance.
• The film was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing.

Legacy of Casino

Casino is often compared to other great Scorsese crime films like Goodfellas (1990). Both films focus on the lives of organized crime figures, but Casino is more focused on the intricacies of the casino business and the complex relationship between the mobsters and the legitimate world. It provides a detailed and gritty portrayal of Las Vegas’s history during the 1970s and 1980s and showcases the dangerous underbelly of the city, a place that is often seen as the ultimate symbol of wealth and excess.

The film has left a lasting impact on how we view both Las Vegas and the nature of organized crime in America, and it continues to be studied for its exceptional direction, storytelling, and performances.

Fun Facts About Casino

• Robert De Niro did extensive research for his role by visiting real casinos and interviewing people in the industry.
• The character of Ace Rothstein is based on Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, a real-life sports handicapper and casino executive who ran the Stardust Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
• The film’s opening scene, featuring the famous line “Now, I don’t necessarily like it, but it’s the way I get things done,” is one of the most iconic moments in the film.

Conclusion

Casino (1995) is a gripping portrayal of the mafia’s influence on Las Vegas and the corrupting power of money, greed, and betrayal. With standout performances by Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, it remains one of Martin Scorsese’s finest works. The film explores the cost of power and control in the fast-paced world of high-stakes gambling, and its dark, gritty look at Las Vegas will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

Let me know if you’d like any more details or have other film-related questions!