Movies have always been popular entertainment for all ages. Amid the genres like action, fantasy, drama, comedy, horror, etc., several casino-themed stories made it into the big screen.
But while having a good plot and story, it could not be as good as it was if not for these incredible actors. Here are four amazing and God-given celebrities that starred in casino-themed movies:
Robert De Niro
Known for his portrayals of gangsters and mob-style movies, Robert De Niro may have mellowed this past few years, settling for drama-romance genres, such as The Intern. But during his younger years, he has always been a staple in films that involved casinos, thanks to the specialty of his roles.
De Niro starred in the 1995 movie, “Casino,” which tells the tale of two best friends who were both involved in gambling. One is a mafia enforcer, while the other is a casino executive. Their friendship is tested when they both compete for a gambling empire and enjoy the thrill and luxuries money can bring.
Such movie helped De Niro with his career, skyrocketing it to unimaginable heights. And while film critics did not like it as one of Martin Scorsese’s masterpieces, it still is one of the most popular and famous movies he made. It even broke the box office, gaining $116 million worldwide while only having a budget of $50 million.
Joe Pesci
Just like De Niro, Joe Pesci’s face and persona emancipate that of a gangster. So when he steps away from playing any character that is surrounded by violence, it stuns the audience. So when he played Nicky Santoro in Casino, it shocked viewers.
However, Pesci is a jack-of-all-trades, being able to dominate the role given to him. He can play any role, even an eccentric eyewitness in Lethal Weapon 2 to 4. The actor’s depth really should be admired.
Ray Liotta
Ray Liotta could be considered the Godfather of casino-themed movies, especially with how well he played his characters in hit gambling films like The Goodfellas, Smoking Aces, Killing Them Softly, Even Money, Phoenix, Revolver, and The Rat Pack. His presence alone in the movie can easily make any cinema or theater filled with movie-goers.
The late actor’s appearance, charisma, and mean look were very suitable in movies that needed a badass villain. If he appeared as an antagonist in a movie, expect it to be a great film worthy of your time.
George Clooney
Who would have thought that Hollywood’s pretty boy George Clooney would star in the 2001 Ocean’s Eleven, a casino-themed movie by Steven Soderbergh?
If Clooney is not busy making women blush with his charisma and pretty face in dramas and chick flicks, he is out doing something the world rarely sees. When he did Ocean’s, it quickly became a global phenomenon, especially with how he perfectly played his character, casino thief Danny Ocean.
Furthermore, the film’s ensemble is big but not quite enough to outshine Clooney. The movie also starred Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and Matt Damon, which means that this movie is no joke.
Top-billing Ocean Eleven was such a success for Clooney as it resulted in two more sequels, including a spin-off.
Why are Casinos Perfect for Movies?
Casinos are often portrayed as perfect settings for movies due to several reasons:
Glamour and Extravagance
Casinos are associated with luxury, wealth, and opulence. They provide a visually stunning backdrop with their grand architecture, lavish interiors, and vibrant atmosphere. The glitzy ambiance of a casino can add a touch of glamour to a film, creating an enticing and visually captivating experience for the audience.
High Stakes and Drama
Casinos are synonymous with gambling, which inherently involves risk and high stakes. The intense and unpredictable nature of gambling provides ample opportunities for creating dramatic tension and conflict in a movie. Whether it’s a high-stakes poker game or a tense roulette spin, the potential for big wins or devastating losses adds excitement and suspense to the story.
Character Diversity
Casinos attract diverse people from various backgrounds, making them an ideal setting to introduce a wide array of interesting and colorful characters. Filmmakers can explore the dynamics between professional gamblers, card sharks, casino staff, and other patrons, each with their own motivations, secrets, and hidden agendas. This diversity allows for complex character development and intriguing plot twists.
Intrigue and Suspense
Casinos are often associated with intrigue, heists, and cons. Movies set in casinos can capitalize on this intrigue by featuring intricate and well-planned schemes, elaborate robberies, or thrilling undercover operations. The built-in security measures and the constant surveillance in casinos can create a sense of danger and suspense, adding an extra layer of excitement to the story.
Symbolism
Casinos can serve as a metaphorical representation of risk-taking, chance, and the unpredictable nature of life. They can reflect larger themes such as luck, fate, greed, and the pursuit of dreams. The casino environment provides a rich symbolic landscape for exploring these themes and conveying deeper meanings within the context of a film.
Overall, the allure of casinos lies in their blend of glamour, high stakes, diverse characters, and the potential for both fortune and disaster. These elements make them perfect settings for movies that seek to captivate audiences with thrilling narratives and visually stunning experiences.
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