Nevertheless, one is better than none, and these cinematic gangster legends share the screen in this story of gamblers reckoning with some personal stakes. in the ’30s, which makes it quite surprising that this is the only film they made together. The two stars were both on contract at Warner Bros. Smart Money (1931)ĭe Niro and Pesci are as formidable a gangster duo as their pre-code counterparts, Edward G. There are a lot of films that fit into these categories, but the following ten will be some especially rewarding viewings for Casino fans. Still, that doesn’t mean it’s not without its own influences and precedents, or that it’s not built upon a rich foundation of Vegas epics and mob masterworks. No matter how any quibbling about rankings shakes out, Casino is a movie that could never be duplicated by another filmmaker.

While often compared to Scorsese’s other ’90s mob hit, Goodfellas, the truth is that Casino has a unique level of extravagance and an unparalleled degree of cruelty at its harshest moments. It chronicles the rise and fall of Ace, his conniving pal Nicky ( Joe Pesci, naturally), and his hustler wife Ginger ( Sharon Stone) against the backdrop of a once glorious empire in the glowing lights of the Nevada desert. Inspired by the true story of mafia associate Frank Rosenthal, the film stars Robert De Niro as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a handicapper turned casino manager. One of his most formidable in this department is the 1995 epic Casino. He’s excelled in this genre, making his mark on cinema with unforgettable gangster chronicles and world-class antiheroes. But it’s undeniable that he’s known best for his crime dramas. The filmmaker has an oeuvre rich with everything from horror to romance. You can’t beat Martin Scorsese at his own game.

This entry recommends movies to watch after Martin Scorsese’s Casino.

Learn some film history, become a more well-rounded viewer, and enjoy like-minded works of the past. Welcome to Movie DNA, a column that recognizes the direct and indirect cinematic roots of both new and classic movies.

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