Review of Casino (1995) by Filipeneto — 16 Apr 2020

I did not know, when I went to see this film, that there was a true story behind it. But that was something that struck me because of the way the film presents the plot. It became evident that there was something and that was a bonus, a film that, in itself, is already capable of proving itself excellent. Despite all the comparisons with "Goodfellas", (I couldn't help doing them myself), I don't think Scorcese tried to repeat the dose, although it is undeniable that he likes to make this kind of films, involving mafia or organized crime ("The Irishman", very recently, and "The Wolf of Wall Street", for example, not to mention the obvious "Goodfellas").

The script shows how two Chicago mobsters manage to control and run a casino in Las Vegas until marital problems, betrayal and mistrust, addictions, greed and brutality eventually led them to their fall. There are some sub-plots that are developing equally, but everything is brilliantly orchestrated and combined by Scorcese. The film has all his style and their three hours length pass quickly. The heavy atmosphere, the brutal and raw violence, the current use of slang and f-words, are all part of a style that Scorcese associated with his gangster films. The torture scene where that guy's head was smashed into a vise is worthy of anthology, and likewise some of the scenes where Pesci gets angry and starts brutally beating those in front.

Robert De Niro is one of those actors who never, or almost never, fails. And he works beautifully with Scorcese, as does Pesci. The three collaborated wonderfully here, and the result is a harmonious combination between the work of the director and the two main actors. There is not a moment out of tone. Pesci's performance was really the best of his career, much more mature and profound than in Goodfellas. Sharon Stone, in turn, had to face a difficult character, in which beauty is associated with a certain spirit of survival and a vicious cycle, that ends up leading her character to self-destruction. She has a character that requires beauty, sensuality, but also a lot of psychological depth, and the actress achieved its combination brilliantly, being nominated for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress that year and winning the Golden Globe in the same category. She, like Pesci, achieves in this film one of her best performances ever (or at least everything I have seen of her so far). In addition to them, the film has good additions such as James Woods, Don Rickles, Kevin Pollak, Pasquale Cajano and Vinny Vella, among others.

Technically, the film is impeccable. Filmed inside a real casino during daily closing hours, you couldn't demand a better or more detailed set. The cinematography and camera work were also meticulously done, and editing, mixing and post-production work are impeccable. The pace is good, with scenes so well linked that the whole story is crystal clear to the audience, despite the three hours length. Finally, a word for the soundtrack, which harmonizes perfectly with what the film shows, and the general environment.

This film is not just a follower in the path of "Goodfellas", although there are similarities in style, derived from the presence of the same director and main actors. It is a different film, less sympathetic perhaps, more brutal, realistic, intense, sometimes cynical and deeply critical. It is definitely worth seeing.