The Best Movie of 1995

Rating: Null/10 (26 April 2000)

Casino(1995) is a fascinating and terrific behind the scenes look at the mob undergoings in Las Vegas during the 1970's and early 80's. It deals with things that were hinted at in The Godfather(1972). Casino(1995) received mixed reviews during its release which was due to ignorance from most film critics. This film is one of the reasons why Martin Scorsese is the best film-maker of his generation.
The opening credits are beautifully done using colors to a greater effect. Casino(1995) is a film that was most deserving of a Best Picture award in 1995. It should be considered as one of the top films of the 1990's. This is an another example of Martin Scorsese being done in by the Academy Award voters as he should have at least five Best Director[Mean Streets(1973, Taxi Driver(1976), Raging Bull(1980), Goodfellas(1990), and Casino(1995)], and six Best Picture awards[Mean Streets(1973), Taxi Driver(1976), Raging Bull(1980), The Last Temptation of Christ(1988), Goodfellas(1990), and Casino(1995)].

The infamous "Batting Practice" scene near the end of the film is one of the five most brutal and vicious sequences in a Scorsese Flick. The first part of the film are a summary of events and the narrative does not begin until twenty minutes into the story. Its filled with multiple voice overs from Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Frank Vincent. It was written by the same man who wrote Goodfellas(1990).
Casino(1995) takes a look at the upper level mafia as Goodfellas(1990) looked into the lives of low to mid level hoods. This film deals with the themes of excess, greed, power, and self-destruction. Like in other Scorsese films, the violence here is sudden and comes out unexpectively. Robert De Niro as Sam is at odds between being loyal to his bosses and retaining some kind of intregity.
There are a few scenes that were really masterful. One, the scene where Sam explains the different roles of the people working at the casino. Two, the murders during the climax of the movie. Three, introductions of the main and minor characters in the story.
One asset of this movie is Scorsese's Utilization of music used to fit many scenes and situations. It deals with the end of an era when the mob controlled Las Vegas. The camera is always on the move as well as being fluid and steady. The difference between this film and Scorsese's early works is this film doesn't have the gritty of of his 1970s films.
Casino(1995) is one of Martin Scorsese's three or four best films of the 1990's and that includes Goodfellas(1990), The Age of Innocence(1993), and Kundun(1998). Casino was the eighth coraboration between Scorsese & De Niro. Many scenes(gory ones) were cut from this feature in order to avoid an NC-17 rating. Casino follows in the tradition of gangster epics ala, The Godfather(1972), The Godfather Part 2(1974), Scarface(1983), Once Upon A Time in America(1984), and Goodfellas(1990).
One of the film's best lines is "Before she could start counting her money, the bosses back home decided to settle the case out of court, so they sent me". Everyone contributes to the excellent acting in Casino. Sharon Stone gives the best performance of her life. In my opinion, Sam Rothstein represents Martin Scorsese and the mob bosses symbolizes the Hollywood execs.
Casino is more a big budget lavish Independant film then it is a mainstream feature. Robert De Niro as Sam plays him with unusual restraint espically for Robert De Niro. Joe Pesci plays a more psychotic version of Tommy De Vito of Goodfellas(1990). After getting brutally beaten by a Pesci character in Raging Bull(1980), and Goodfellas(1990), Frank Vincent finally gets a chance to return the favor.
Scorsese directs with the craft of an experienced pro. Sam Rothstein is based on career of professional bookie Frank"lefty" Rosenthal. This would be the final appearence of the mother of Martin Scorsese in one of his movies. Casino(1995) as many years pass is a movie that will be acknowledged as one of the director's all time greats.