Casino – An Oscar-Winning Depiction of Corruption and Greed
Gambling is a form of entertainment that provides individuals with a chance to win money and socialize. Humans are attracted to gambling because it releases feel-good hormones that help them navigate through daily stresses. However, humans should be cautious when gambling as it can become addictive. The key to avoiding addiction to gambling is keeping the hobby fun and limiting how much time it consumes each day.
Casino, the Oscar-winning Martin Scorsese film about Las Vegas’ past ties to organized crime, is one of the most compelling depictions of corruption and greed ever put on screen. It’s hard to think of a more charismatic lead than Robert De Niro as mobster Ace Rothstein, and Sharon Stone is equally stunning as Ginger McKenna, the casino’s most skilled hustler.
The movie shows the seedy underbelly of casinos and how a few well-connected people can control an entire city. The movie also points out how gambling hurts property values in the areas surrounding them. Moreover, it exposes the ways that casino ownership entangles politicians, local businesses, and unions. It’s a powerful reminder of how even a seemingly harmless activity like gambling can have detrimental consequences for the surrounding community.
Casino is not the most entertaining movie, but it’s a highly realistic portrayal of mob life and how people can be corrupted by greed. In addition to the great acting, Scorsese did a terrific job of capturing the era with authentic costumes and locations.