Original interpretation — not a still from the production
A sprawling epic of greed, power, and betrayal in the glittering, yet brutal, heart of 1970s Las Vegas.
The Continental Verdict
Essential
Martin Scorsese’s 1995 opus, "Casino," delves deep into the opulent and violent world of Las Vegas during its transitional period, when the old guard of mob control began to give way to corporate interests. Robert De Niro, in a role that echoes his earlier collaborations with Scorsese, portrays Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a professional sports handicapper hand-picked by the Chicago Outfit to run the Tangiers casino. His calculated, almost clinical approach to business and his fastidious attention to detail are juxtaposed against the volatile nature of his enforcer, Nicky Santoro, played with ferocious intensity by Joe Pesci. The film is a masterclass in narrative ambition, laying bare the intricate mechanics of skimming millions from the casino floor, while simultaneously charting the tragic downfall of its protagonists, ensnared by their own avarice and flaws.
Sharon Stone delivers a career-defining performance as Ginger McKenna, a beautiful but manipulative hustler whose tempestuous relationship with Ace serves as the film's emotional — and often destructive — core. Scorsese’s signature kinetic style, replete with rapid-fire editing, voiceovers, and a meticulously curated soundtrack, perfectly captures the intoxicating allure and inherent danger of this neon-drenched kingdom. While the film’s narrative is unflinching in its portrayal of brutality and excess, it also offers a fascinating, albeit grim, study of loyalty, betrayal, and the ephemeral nature of power. It remains a definitive statement on a particular moment in American history, where the line between legitimate enterprise and organised crime was blurred by the sheer magnitude of money at stake.
Why Watch It
The Gentleman Factor
The intricate organisational structure, the meticulous ledger-keeping, and the sheer audacity of running a vast criminal enterprise under the guise of legitimate business. Also, a cautionary tale about the perils of ambition and ill-suited partnerships.
Look Out For
- Glamorous excess of 1970s and 80s Las Vegas
- Bright lights and stark desert landscapes
- Art Deco and kitsch casino interiors
The Locations
Las Vegas, Nevada, particularly the fictional Tangiers casino (based on the Stardust Resort and Casino); desert landscapes surrounding Las Vegas.
More from the travel pages →The Cars
Cadillac Eldorado, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, Lincoln Continental Mark V, various period American luxury cars.
More from motoring →The Wardrobe
The costumes, designed by Rita Ryack and John A. Dunn, are a spectacle of 1970s and 80s excess: silk suits, garish ties, ostentatious jewellery, leisure suits, and flamboyant evening wear. Ace’s wardrobe transitions from bold, colourful suits to more conservative, albeit still luxurious, ensembles as he gains power, while Ginger's attire epitomises high-stakes glamour, often bordering on vulgarity, with sequins, furs, and revealing dresses.
More on style →The Soundtrack
A magnificent compilation of era-appropriate rock, pop, and jazz, featuring tracks from The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Devo, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Les McCann, creating a vibrant, often ironic, counterpoint to the on-screen events.
Into the music room →Watch Next
Where to Watch
Available on various streaming platforms for rental or purchase.
For the Collection
Also in The Criminal Gentleman
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