In recent years, the film “Casino” has become a cult classic, captivating audiences with its gritty portrayal of the mob-controlled gambling scene in Las Vegas during the 1970s and 1980s. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, the film is based on the book “Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas” by Nicholas Pileggi, which in turn is based on real events.
But just how much of “Casino” is actually true? In this top 10 list, we will delve into some of the most prominent aspects of the film and uncover whether they are fact or fiction.
1. The Main Characters:
First and foremost, the characters in “Casino” are largely based on real individuals. De Niro’s character, Sam “Ace” Rothstein, is based on Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, a sports handicapper and casino manager who ran the Stardust, Fremont, and Hacienda casinos in Las Vegas. Pesci’s character, Nicky Santoro, is based on Anthony Spilotro, a mob enforcer known for his brutal tactics.
2. The Love Triangle:
One of the central plotlines in the film revolves around the tumultuous relationship between Ace, Nicky, and Ginger McKenna, played by Stone. While the character of Ginger is fictional, her volatile relationship with Ace and Nicky is inspired by Rosenthal’s real-life marriage to Geri McGee, a former showgirl with a penchant for gambling.
3. The Tangiers Casino:
In the film, Ace is tasked with overseeing the Tangiers Casino, a fictional establishment that serves as a stand-in for several real-life casinos controlled by the mob. While the Tangiers itself is a creation of the filmmakers, its operations and dealings are based on the activities of the Stardust and other casinos in Las Vegas during the era.
4. Cheating Scandals:
One of the key plot points in “Casino” involves a cheating scandal at the Tangiers, where slot machines are manipulated to pay out more than they should. This incident is based on the real-life skimming operations that took place at the Stardust under Rosenthal’s management, where millions of dollars were stolen from the casino’s profits.
5. The Bombing:
In a dramatic twist, the Tangiers is bombed in the film as a result of Ace’s conflicts with the mob. While this particular event is fictional, it is inspired by real-life incidents of violence and intimidation that plagued Las Vegas during the time period depicted in the film.
6. The FBI Investigation:
Throughout the film, Ace and Nicky are pursued by the FBI, who are determined to bring down the mob’s operations in Las Vegas. While the FBI investigation is a central plotline in “Casino,” it is largely a creation of the filmmakers and does not reflect the actual extent of law enforcement’s efforts to combat organized crime in the city.
7. Ace’s Ban from Casinos:
In one of the most memorable scenes in the film, Ace is banned from all casinos in Las Vegas by the Nevada Gaming Commission. While this event is fictional, it is based on Rosenthal’s real-life ban from the state’s casinos due to his connections to organized crime figures.
8. Nicky’s Fate:
In the climax of the film, Nicky meets a grisly end at the hands of his former associates, who no longer trust him. While Nicky’s violent demise is fictional, it is based on the real-life murder of Spilotro and his brother in a remote Indiana cornfield in 1986.
9. Ginger’s Addiction:
Throughout the film, Ginger struggles with addiction to drugs and alcohol, which ultimately leads to her downfall. While Ginger’s addiction and subsequent demise are fictional, they are inspired by the real-life struggles of McGee, who battled substance abuse issues and ultimately died of a drug overdose in 1982.
10. The Legacy of “Casino”:
Despite its fictionalized elements, “Casino” remains a powerful and enduring portrayal of the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas during the era of mob control. The film’s blend of fact and fiction has captivated audiences for decades, cementing its status as a classic of American cinema.
In conclusion, while “Casino” takes significant liberties with historical accuracy, the film remains a compelling and evocative exploration of the corrupt world of gambling and organized crime. By blending real events with fictionalized drama, Scorsese and his cast have crafted a thrilling and unforgettable cinematic experience that continues to resonate with viewers to this day.