Casinos have always encapsulated wealth, opulence, bright lights, plunging necklines and tuxedos. This glamorous lifestyle has always been an elusive to the ordinary person, and one of the ways in which one has been able to have a glimpse of this word has been through the medium of film. There have been many movies which have centred around casinos and gambling, together with all the live action that is experienced on the actual tables like roulette, blackjack and poker.
The film Casino is arguably one of the best and most popular gambling movies to have graced the big screen. The movies boasts a number of A-List actors like Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci, whilst being directed by the accomplished Martin Scorsese. The film has a glittering and elegant side, as well as a deadly and savage one. It is basically a story of two friends, mobsters, who move to Las Vegas to protect the interests of the mob; but in two separate ways.
De Niro is set up to manage one of the mob’s casinos on the Strip, and has all style and class that is required for the role. Whilst, Joe Pesci is skilled in the art of being an enforcer and killer; known for his brutality and violence. The film provides a unique insight of the Las Vegas through the eyes of these two main characters, whilst incorporating the excitement and opulence of casino life in Vegas.
Casino Royale is another epic film that captures all the class and exclusivity of casinos, through the eyes of the main character James Bond whilst he does battle in a high stakes poker game. The film stars Daniel Craig, Eva Green Mads Mikkelsen and Judi Dench. Ian Fleming, the creator of this fictional Bond character, has always made 007 to be perfect card player; with an uncanny skill of always winning, no matter the odds.
In this film, this talent comes to the fore, as James Bond has to win a poker game at Montenegro in order to foil terrorists, represented by the ruthless Le Chiffre character. There is intense poker action coupled with all the richness one expects from a high roller casino environment; which is rated as one of the best ever.
Finally, Ocean’s Eleven film released in 2001 which is the remake of the 1960 original, and is one of the most renowned films to be centred around Las Vegas and casino life therein. The movie is directed by Steven Soderbergh, and includes a cast of world famous actors like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Matt Damon. The plot is all about Danny Ocean who wants to do the biggest heist in history; and so calls together a team of eleven to turn over casinos The Bellagio, Mirage and MGM Grand, all of which are owned by Terry Benedict. This movie took in over USD$38 million in its opening weekend; and testimony to its global appeal has been the continued success of its sequels.