1995
Directed by Martin Scorsese
I just watched the Siskel and Ebert review for this movie, where Ebert can hardly believe Siskel is giving Casino a thumbs down. While this provoked much rage in the comments section, I can absolutely see where Siskel is coming from. This is Mean Streets meets Goodfellas and there is really nothing new here.
Basically, Sam Rothstein and Nicky Santoro are sent to Las Vegas by the mafia to oversee the operations of a casino. Sam falls for Ginger, a stunning but selfish coke addict. Meanwhile, Nicky becomes increasingly violent and savage as the casino empire begins to fall apart.
I suppose Scorsese did attempt to be original in his own way. This film is certainly more violent than what we have seen from him before. Perhaps he was trying to compete with Tarantino. In any case, it didn't feel entirely necessary, although thankfully he stays out of truly upsetting territory. Ebert commented that the romance was like nothing we have seen before. The only difference seems to be that the woman drags the man down, rather than the other way around. I am not sure this was that significant of a change, but at least he tried to shake things up a little.
As always, the performances were incredible and the film was beautifully shot. Only one more Scorsese film to go!
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
The word "fuck" is used 435 times.
The costume budget was $1 million.
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