A faithful adaptation of a journalistic story
Contrary to what one might think, Casino it doesn’t rely solely on the imagination of its screenwriter. The film is in fact an adaptation of the book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegaswritten by Nicholas Pileggi, investigative journalist specialized in organized crime. Pileggi had already collaborated with Scorsese onwards The Free (1990), bringing a touch of realism to crime stories. His book is based on years of extensive research and testimonies from former players in the Las Vegas gambling world.
The film’s story follows that of Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, a Chicago bookmaker recruited by the mafia to run several well-known Las Vegas clubs. Under his authority, the casinos prospered, but this prosperity hid an opaque management that mixed bribery, embezzlement and money laundering profit from crime. The film adaptation faithfully transcribes these elements, illustrating the almost total control that organized crime had over the gaming industry at that time.
Scorsese, using immersive storytelling techniques such as voice-over and frenetic sequences, manages to recreate the suffocating and fascinating atmosphere of this period in which the American dream collided with the worst criminal excesses. Through meticulous staging, the director explores the functioning of this infernal machine, where the line between glamor and brutality is thin.
Characters directly inspired by real figures
The characters in the film are not simply fictional creations, but are inspired by real personalities who existed in Las Vegas in the 70s and 80s.
Sam “Ace” Rothstein, played by Robert De Niro, is a film adaptation of Frank Rosenthal, a man who ran several casinos, including Stardust, Fremont, and Hacienda. Rosenthal was a sports betting expert, recognized for his genius in game managementbut operated under the close surveillance of the Chicago Mafia, who used these establishments to launder money. Unlike what was shown in the film, Rosenthal did not have an official license to operate casinos, forcing him to work secretly.
The character of Nicky Santoro, played by Joe Pesci, is inspired by Anthony “Tony” Spilotro, a notorious gangster renowned for his brutality and total lack of scruples. Spilotro was sent to Las Vegas to protect the mafia’s interests and secure profits remain under their control. His violent behavior and taste for personal matters ultimately led to his downfall, illustrated in the film by a tragic and brutal end.
Finally, Ginger McKenna, played by Sharon Stone, is inspired by Geri McGee, a former model and cabaret dancer. His tumultuous relationship with Rosenthalscarred by drug and alcohol excess, as well as her attraction to the luxurious Las Vegas lifestyle, she is poignantly depicted in the film.
While Scorsese took some narrative liberties, the film overall remains faithful to historical facts. It shows how Las Vegas, once under the influence of crime families, finally fell under the control of large corporations, marking the end of an era of chaos and lawlessness.
Source: Cine Serie
Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.
