A casino is an institution that allows people to gamble. It combines 2 things that people are most excited about: entertainment and money. Casinos make their profit by encouraging game players to spend money over and over again in the hope that they’ll hit it big. They do this by providing a luxurious, enjoyable experience that makes playing for real money almost too tempting. For example, casinos often waft scented oils throughout their ventilation systems to create an atmosphere of manufactured bliss. This, along with the bright lights and joyful sound of slot machines, can keep players from leaving until they hit the jackpot or at least break even.
Many movies about Las Vegas highlight its opulence and neon signs but fail to explore the dark underbelly of organized crime and its impact on the city’s history and culture. Martin Scorsese’s Casino does both, presenting an epic story about Sin City and a portrait of its corrupt inner circle as it was being carved up by giant gambling corporations. Featuring a stunning performance from Sharon Stone, the movie is both a taut thriller and a devastating depiction of human tragedy.
From the casino floor to its secluded back rooms, it’s easy to see why Casino is such a riveting film. Its characters are mired in violence, treachery and avarice but the movie never lags or loses its edge. This is partly due to its lean, mean editing but also because of the amazing performances from Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone.