Las Vegas is set to celebrate one of its most iconic films, “Casino,” with an upcoming special screening at the BleauLive Theater in the newly opened Fontainebleau Las Vegas. This event, scheduled for August 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM, will feature a showing of the movie followed by a discussion on its profound impact on Las Vegas culture and the mob era. This unique event provides fans with a rare opportunity to experience the film in the very city that inspired its story.
“Casino,” the 1995 crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, remains one of the most significant films set in Las Vegas. It delves into the glittering yet treacherous world of organized crime within the city’s booming casino industry during the 1970s and 1980s. With a star-studded cast including Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci, “Casino” captures the essence of Las Vegas during its most tumultuous period.
Las Vegas, with its neon lights, endless entertainment, and high-stakes gambling, serves as the perfect backdrop for “Casino.” The film shows both the allure and dangers of Las Vegas, portraying the city’s dual nature as a place of dreams and destruction.
The character of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, played by Robert De Niro, is based on the real-life figure Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, a sports handicapper and casino executive who managed multiple casinos in Las Vegas, including the Stardust, Fremont, and Hacienda. His life was deeply intertwined with the mob, which used him to ensure their interests were protected in Vegas.
Recently, Las Vegas has seen a resurgence of interest in the film “Casino,” particularly with these special screenings and events. The Fontainebleau has integrated the movie into its entertainment offerings, further highlighting the deep connection between the film and Las Vegas’s storied past. These events emphasize how “Casino” continues to resonate with audiences, particularly in the city that played such a crucial role in its story.
Sharon Stone’s performance as Ginger, based on Rosenthal’s wife Geri McGee, was a highlight of the film, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Stone’s portrayal of a woman caught between love, addiction, and greed added depth to the movie’s exploration of the dark side of Las Vegas.
The making of “Casino” was an ambitious project, with Scorsese wanting to capture the glitz and grit of Las Vegas authentically. Many scenes were shot on location in the city, with parts of the Riviera Casino recreated as the film’s fictional Tangiers Casino, adding a layer of authenticity that studio sets could never match.
“Casino” is more than just a film about Las Vegas; it’s a deep dive into the city’s soul during a time when the mob’s influence was at its peak. Through the story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, audiences get a glimpse of the real-life underworld that once ran the city’s casinos. The film’s creation, with its dedication to authenticity and powerful performances, ensures that “Casino” remains a classic that continues to captivate viewers and offers a gritty, glamorous, and ultimately tragic look at the darker side of the Las Vegas dream.
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