The way I see it, Martin Scorsese has one problem He’s in love with the sound of his own voice, as it comes out through the dialogue of films like GoodFellas and now, Casino. Clocking in at three long hours, Casino is an entertaining and engrossing film, but just drags a simple story into a sprawling, epic tale that desperately needs a little trimming.
Based on a true story, Casino is the tale of Sam Rothstein (Robert De Niro), the best of the old bookmakers, who is hand-picked by his mob bosses “Back Home” to go to Las Vegas to run the Tangiers Casino. Sam has to contend with managing the bosses’ skim going out the back door, cheats at the tables, the law breathing down his neck, and strung-out hustler Ginger (Sharon Stone), whom Sam falls for, and, despite his better judgment, eventually marries. Add to the mix Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), who basically reprises his role from GoodFellas as a “problem solver” with a temper from hell, and it’s pure chaos in the high-glamour world of 1973 Las Vegas.
Scorsese directs with his characteristic style, creating a film that is at once surreal and full of gritty realism, particularly when the violent Nicky plies his trade. The film ranges from glued to the screen sequences, the best of which is when Sam and his crew bust a couple of blackjack cheats, to a number of dull scenes, mainly about Sam fighting to get his gaming license. If Scorsese had kept the best two hours of the film, it would have been one of the best of the year. As it stands now, Casino is still good, but just doesn’t cut it as a long-term classic.
I also fault Scorsese for the overuse of voice-over coupled with rapid-fire visuals. Especially in the opening scenes, when the characters and setting are being introduced, it’s a nonstop deluge of sensory information too much to process, too quickly. But hey, who am I to tell Martin Scorsese how to make a film?
The best part of Casino is smart acting by the three principals as well as the supporting characters (including Don Rickles, of all people, in a memorable role). De Niro evokes real sympathy for Sam, and Stone’s Ginger is the consummate Bad Girl. You get a bad taste in your mouth just watching her and Pesci on screen. Also watch for a smarmy James Woods as Ginger’s old pimp. The other saving grace is Casino’s unexpected and frequent comic relief, which is played up beautifully to ease the film’s tension.
Scorsese has improved on the flaws of GoodFellas, making a cozy little epic that’s worth seeing. Just remember to bring provisions for the experience. You’re going to be there for awhile.
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