Cinema has already told several fascinating stories that explore one of the greatest and most timeless vices present in society: gambling.
From the elegant ballrooms of Las Vegas to the dark alleys of underground gambling, a wide range of films delve into this theme, exploring themes such as luck, greed, power and obsession.
Inspired by this, we decided to list the 10 best casino and gambling movies for you to check out!
Films about casinos and gambling
A talented young MIT student (Jim Sturgess) struggles to pay for college. He is recruited by Professor Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey) to join the MIT Blackjack Team, a group of students who specialize in card counting and secret signaling.
The group travels to Las Vegas on weekends to count cards and win millions at casinos.
This is the plot of ‘Bringing Down the House’, a film based on the book ‘Bringing Down the House’ by Ben Mezrich, which claims to tell a true story.
Set in the world of underground poker, “Cards on the Table” is directed by John Dahl and features names such as Matt Damon, Edward Norton, John Malkovich, John Turturro and Gretchen Mol in the cast.
The film follows a young man who is talented at poker (Damon) but decides to abandon the game after losing a large sum. However, after his friend (Norton) is released from prison, the boy is dragged back into the world of cards.
British production directed by Mike Hodges, “Croupier” is set in the world of casinos with a neo-noir touch.
Clive Owen stars in the film as a debt-ridden, failed writer who is offered the opportunity to become a croupier in a London casino. Your initial goal is to make money and get inspiration for your next novel.
However, he performs well as a croupier, but finds himself involved in complex situations with colleagues, in the dissatisfaction of his girlfriend and in a theft plan at the casino where he works.
French production that deals with the theme of gambling, “The Bay of Angels” is directed by the famous Jacques Demy.
The film follows an ordinary young banker (Claude Mann) who lives with his father. However, when he goes with a friend to a casino for the first time and wins a lot of money, he is completely deceived by the world of gambling.
Contrary to his father, the young man decides to frequent the casinos of the French Riviera. There he meets and becomes involved with a gambler who has left her family due to her (Jeanne Moreau) gambling addiction.
Based on the non-fiction book “Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas” by Nicholas Pileggi, this Martin Scorsese film deals with the workings of a Las Vegas casino and the involvement of the mafia in the place.
Robert De Niro plays a gambling expert hired by the mob to oversee the operations of a Las Vegas casino. The cast also includes Sharon Stone (nominated for an Oscar for her performance) and Joe Pesci.
This film about gambling addiction is directed by Karel Reisz and written by James Toback, who was inspired by his own experiences with gambling.
The film stars James Caan, who plays a literature professor admired by his family and girlfriend, but who has a serious gambling addiction.
When things get out of control, he starts borrowing money from his family and racking up huge debts with loan sharks. The film received a remake in 2014 starring Mark Wahlberg.
Another film set in the world of poker is “Welcome to the Game”, directed by Curtis Hanson. The film stars Eric Bana, who plays a skilled professional poker player in Las Vegas. He needs a good amount to compete in the World Poker Championship.
The plot also explores her relationship with an aspiring singer (Drew Barrymore), and the distant bond she has with her father (Robert Duvall), another two-time world champion poker player who could become her opponent at the next tournament.
Based on the 1950s and 1960s television series of the same name, “Maverick” is a western comedy directed by Richard Donner (from the “Lethal Weapon” film series). The film stars Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and James Garner.
Set in the American Old West, the plot follows Bret Maverick (Gibson), a con man and card player who is trying to save money to enter a big poker tournament. However, along the way he will find himself involved in a series of adventures and challenges.
A classic of French cinema, this film praised for its pioneering approach to the heist and gangster genre is directed by the famous Jean-Pierre Melville.
The film follows Bob (Roger Duchesne), an elderly ex-gangster whose kindness and elegance are admired by everyone in Montmartre. However, he is addicted to gambling. When he has a run of bad luck, Bob decides to rob a casino.
Starring Jason Statham, “Wild Letter” is a remake of the film “Trapped in Las Vegas” (Heat, 1986), itself based on the novel by William Goldman.
Statham plays a super-skilled bodyguard in Las Vegas, a fitting job for him to support his gambling addiction. However, problems arise for him when his friend gets beaten up and he decides to take revenge on the attacker. However, he discovers that the boy is the son of a powerful mafia boss and is persecuted.
The Ten Best Movies About Casinos and Gambling appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
