# Casino

> 1995 film directed by Martin Scorsese

**Wikidata**: [Q220910](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q220910)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casino_(1995_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/casino

## Summary
*Casino* is a 1995 American crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. It is based on the true story of the rise and fall of the Las Vegas casino empire during the 1970s and 1980s.

## Key Facts
- **Director**: Martin Scorsese
- **Release Date**: November 14, 1995 (premiere), March 14, 1996 (widespread release)
- **Country of Origin**: United States, France
- **Production Companies**: Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures
- **Genre**: Crime film, Drama film, Biographical film, Gangster film, Thriller film
- **Runtime**: 178 minutes
- **Box Office Gross**: $116,112,375 (worldwide)
- **Budget**: $50,000,000
- **IMDb ID**: tt0112641
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424
- **Instance of**: Film
- **Cast Members**: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci
- **Cinematographer**: Robert Richardson
- **Screenplay by**: Nicholas Pileggi, Martin Scorsese
- **Based on**: *Casino* by Nicholas Pileggi
- **Distributor**: Universal Studios
- **Languages**: English, Italian
- **Color**: Color
- **Sound Mix**: Dolby Digital
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.39:1
- **Filming Locations**: Las Vegas, Nevada; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Los Angeles, California; New York City, New York; Paris, France; Rome, Italy
- **Narrator**: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone
- **Music by**: Alan Parker
- **Edited by**: Thelma Schoonmaker
- **Executive Producer**: Barbara De Fina
- **Producer**: Martin Scorsese, Barbara De Fina
- **Studio**: Universal Pictures
- **Distributor**: Universal Pictures
- **Awards**: Nominated for Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Joe Pesci), Best Cinematography (Robert Richardson), Best Film Editing (Thelma Schoonmaker)
- **Related Entities**: *Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas* (source material), *Goodfellas* (similar genre/filmography), *The Departed* (Scorsese filmography)
- **Sequel**: None officially announced
- **Franchise**: Part of Martin Scorsese's organized crime filmography
- **Narrative Focus**: Rise and fall of Las Vegas casino empire, mob influence, personal greed, and corruption

## FAQs
**What is the movie *Casino* about?**  
*Casino* is a biographical crime drama that chronicles the rise and fall of the Las Vegas casino empire during the 1970s and 1980s. It is based on the true story of Sam "Ace" Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a gambling expert who is sent to manage the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas on behalf of the Chicago Outfit. The film explores themes of power, corruption, and betrayal.

**Who are the main cast members in *Casino*?**  
The main cast includes Robert De Niro as Sam "Ace" Rothstein, Sharon Stone as Ginger McKenna, and Joe Pesci as Nicky Santoro. These actors portray key figures in the story, with De Niro playing the protagonist, Stone as his volatile wife, and Pesci as a violent enforcer.

**What awards did *Casino* receive or was nominated for?**  
*Casino* received three Academy Award nominations: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Joe Pesci), Best Cinematography (Robert Richardson), and Best Film Editing (Thelma Schoonmaker). It also won several critics' awards and was recognized for its direction, performances, and technical achievements.

**Is *Casino* based on a true story?**  
Yes, *Casino* is based on the non-fiction book *Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas* by Nicholas Pileggi, which details the real-life rise and fall of Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, a gambling expert who managed several Las Vegas casinos for the Chicago Outfit.

**What is the runtime of *Casino*?**  
The film has a runtime of 178 minutes, making it one of the longer films in Martin Scorsese's filmography.

**Where was *Casino* filmed?**  
Principal photography took place in multiple locations, including Las Vegas, Nevada; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Los Angeles, California; New York City, New York; Paris, France; and Rome, Italy.

**What genre does *Casino* belong to?**  
*Casino* is classified as a crime film, drama film, biographical film, gangster film, and thriller film. It fits within the broader category of organized crime cinema, a genre Scorsese is well known for.

**Who directed *Casino*?**  
Martin Scorsese directed *Casino*. He is renowned for his work in the crime and drama genres, with films like *Goodfellas* and *The Departed* also being part of his acclaimed filmography.

**What is the significance of *Casino* in film history?**  
*Casino* is significant for its detailed portrayal of organized crime, its exploration of the Las Vegas casino culture, and its place in Scorsese's body of work. It is also notable for its ensemble cast, cinematography, and editing, and is considered one of the definitive films about the mob era.

## Why It Matters
*Casino* matters as a cinematic exploration of one of the most iconic periods in American organized crime history. It provides a gritty, unflinching look at the intersection of power, corruption, and excess in 1970s Las Vegas. The film is a critical piece of Martin Scorsese's legacy, showcasing his mastery in depicting the moral complexities of criminal life. It also serves as a cultural artifact of its time, reflecting the decadence and danger of the era it portrays. Its influence extends to how organized crime is depicted in cinema, setting a benchmark for authenticity and intensity.

## Notable For
- **Based on a True Story**: Adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's non-fiction book, lending historical weight to its narrative.
- **Star-Studded Cast**: Features Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci in career-defining roles.
- **Length and Scope**: At 178 minutes, it is one of Scorsese's longest films, offering an epic narrative.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Nominated for three Academy Awards and widely praised for its direction and performances.
- **Cinematography**: Shot by Robert Richardson, known for dynamic and immersive visuals.
- **Editing**: Thelma Schoonmaker's editing is lauded for maintaining narrative momentum despite the film's length.
- **Soundtrack**: Features a mix of 1970s hits and original compositions that enhance the period setting.
- **Cultural Impact**: Reinforces Scorsese's reputation as a master of crime cinema.
- **Historical Detail**: Meticulously recreates the atmosphere of 1970s Las Vegas.
- **Narrative Complexity**: Balances multiple storylines and character arcs without losing focus.

## Body

### Overview and Production
*Casino* was produced by Barbara De Fina and directed by Martin Scorsese, with a screenplay co-written by Scorsese and Nicholas Pileggi. It was based on Pileggi's book *Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas*, which detailed the real-life exploits of Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, the inspiration for De Niro's character Sam "Ace" Rothstein. The film was shot in various locations, including Las Vegas, Kansas City, St. Louis, Atlantic City, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and Rome, to authentically recreate the era.

### Cast and Characters
The film stars Robert De Niro as Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a gambling expert tasked with managing the Tangiers Casino for the Chicago Outfit. Sharon Stone plays Ginger McKenna, Rothstein's wife, whose erratic behavior and addictions drive much of the film's conflict. Joe Pesci portrays Nicky Santoro, a violent enforcer whose actions ultimately lead to the downfall of the operation. The film also features supporting performances from Don Rickles, Kevin Pollak, James Woods, and Frank Vincent.

### Themes and Narrative
*Casino* explores themes of power, corruption, and betrayal within the framework of organized crime. It delves into the mechanics of casino management, the influence of the mob, and the personal costs of greed and excess. The film's narrative is driven by the tension between Rothstein's professional success and his personal failures, culminating in a violent and chaotic conclusion.

### Cinematic Techniques
Scorsese employed a range of cinematic techniques to bring the story to life. The film's cinematography, handled by Robert Richardson, uses dynamic camera movements and a vibrant color palette to capture the glitz and danger of Las Vegas. Thelma Schoonmaker's editing ensures that the film's nearly three-hour runtime remains engaging, with rapid cuts and montages that reflect the fast-paced casino environment.

### Soundtrack and Music
The film's soundtrack features a mix of 1970s hits and original compositions that enhance the period setting. Songs by artists like The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Don McLean are used to evoke the era's cultural backdrop. The score, composed by Alan Parker, complements the film's dramatic and violent sequences.

### Reception and Legacy
*Casino* received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and technical achievements. It was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Joe Pesci), Best Cinematography (Robert Richardson), and Best Film Editing (Thelma Schoonmaker). The film grossed over $116 million worldwide and is considered one of the definitive films about the mob era.

### Cultural Impact
The film's impact extends beyond its initial release, influencing subsequent portrayals of organized crime in cinema. Its unflinching depiction of violence and corruption has made it a reference point for filmmakers exploring similar themes. *Casino* also reinforced Scorsese's reputation as a master of the crime genre, alongside films like *Goodfellas* and *The Departed*.

### Awards and Recognition
*Casino* was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Joe Pesci, Best Cinematography for Robert Richardson, and Best Film Editing for Thelma Schoonmaker. It also received recognition from critics' associations and film festivals for its technical and artistic achievements.

### Related Works
*Casino* is part of Martin Scorsese's broader filmography, which includes other notable crime films like *Goodfellas* and *The Departed*. It is also connected to Nicholas Pileggi's body of work, particularly his book *Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas*, which served as the source material. The film's themes and style are reflective of the era's cinematic trends, particularly in the crime and drama genres.

### Production Details
The film was produced by Universal Pictures and distributed by the same studio. It had a budget of $50 million and grossed over $116 million worldwide. The production involved extensive research and collaboration with real-life figures from the Las Vegas casino scene to ensure authenticity.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 178 minutes
- **Color**: Color
- **Sound Mix**: Dolby Digital
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.39:1
- **Languages**: English, Italian
- **Filming Locations**: Las Vegas, Nevada; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Los Angeles, California; New York City, New York; Paris, France; Rome, Italy

### Conclusion
*Casino* stands as a monumental achievement in crime cinema, offering a detailed and unflinching look at the rise and fall of the Las Vegas casino empire. Its impact on film history, cultural relevance, and technical excellence make it a definitive work in Martin Scorsese's filmography and a significant piece of American cinema.

## References

1. IMDb
2. AlloCiné
3. FilmAffinity
4. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/kasyno)
5. [Source](http://www.ofdb.de/film/1123,Casino)
6. Metacritic
7. [Source](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/best-online-casinos-real-money-073000243.html)
8. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112641/fullcredits)
9. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. The Movie Database
12. Casino. Rotten Tomatoes
13. The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures
14. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112641/releaseinfo)
15. [Swedish Film Database](http://www.svenskfilmdatabas.se/sv/item/?type=film&itemid=22398)
16. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112641/releaseinfo)
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0112641/)
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23. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
24. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2024&s_month=8&e_year=2024&e_month=8&pageID=1)
25. film distribution certificate
26. [Source](https://sede.mcu.gob.es/CatalogoICAA/Peliculas/GetPdf?Pelicula=2696)
27. Bechdel Test Movie List
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30. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/93850)
31. TheTVDB
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