Completely fascinating but graphically violent

Rating: 8/10 (23 August 1999)

Caught a little piece of this on TV and had to run out and rent the widescreen version. (Look for that edition--don't waste your time on the pan-and-scan version.)
First I have to say that "Casino" is a striking and engrossing film, but there are several graphically violent scenes which--although they may be appropriate in the context of the movie--are completely sickening. Consider yourself warned, but don't cheat yourself out of watching a masterpiece. Just keep the remote control handy.
In this film, both the camera and the soundtrack are characters in themselves. Scorsese's lens clings lovingly to De Niro, who gives one of his best performances. I agree with other comments that the first 40 minutes are outstanding and completely draw you in. After setting up this universe, Scorsese literally demolishes it. What really struck me was the haunting sense of inescapable doom the viewer feels as everything unravels right before your eyes. I felt positively hunted by the fate that was descending on the screen. I didn't really like "Goodfellas," but this film is superior in every way.