Casinos are exciting, fast-paced places filled with bright lights, clinking coins and upbeat music. People eat, drink and gamble their way through the night trying their luck at games ranging from poker to roulette. No one knows when their lucky streak will strike, but everyone who plays a game of chance at a casino is guaranteed to leave with a feeling of excitement.
The thrill of gambling is what keeps people coming back to casinos, but the atmosphere is not only about luck. People play at casinos because they enjoy the experience and want to have a good time. Casinos are designed to make their guests feel special and opulent, and this is what attracts many players. They want to be able to take risks, compete against other players and get that adrenaline rush of winning big.
Security is also a big part of the casino experience. Casino employees keep their eyes on the floor to ensure that nothing is being tampered with. They watch for blatant cheating, including palming, marking and switching cards or dice. They also look for betting patterns that indicate rigged machines or games.
Although Casino is a bit longer than Scorsese’s best movies, it never lags or loses steam throughout the three hours. Thanks to masterful editing and a taut script, the movie is a lean, mean thriller that will not disappoint. De Niro is as good as ever, but it is Sharon Stone who spikes the energy in her role as the blonde hustler Ginger McKenna. Her performance builds on and inverts her work in Basic Instinct, making her a perpetual motion machine who holds and at times leads the camera’s gaze.