Casino at 30: De Niro & Scorsese’s Timeless Allegory
- martin scorsese and Robert De Niro recently reunited at the Tribeca Film Festival to discuss their 1995 film, Casino, offering insights into its lasting impact and the changing...
- De Niro, known for his role as Sam "Ace" Rothstein in the film, quipped about audience behavior in cinemas today, drawing laughter from the crowd.
- Casino,adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's book,delves into the mafia's control over Las Vegas and the ensuing excess.
Revisit the glitz and grit of 1995’s Casino as Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro reflect on the film’s legacy at the Tribeca Film Festival. The pair dissected the enduring impact of their mob epic, exploring the evolution of Las Vegas from a mafia-run “Sin City” to today’s corporate-dominated entertainment hub. They discussed the film’s themes, the brutal depiction of the mafia, and the challenges of filmmaking across the decades. Scorsese shared insights into his directorial choices and his long-standing collaboration with De niro. News Directory 3’s latest report dives into the duo’s perspectives on the changing landscape of cinema and society. Discover what’s next for this cinematic masterpiece.
Scorsese, De Niro Reflect on ‘Casino’ Legacy, Vegas & Mafia
martin scorsese and Robert De Niro recently reunited at the Tribeca Film Festival to discuss their 1995 film, Casino, offering insights into its lasting impact and the changing landscape of Las Vegas. The conversation, moderated by W. Kamau Bell, touched on the film’s themes, the portrayal of the mafia, and the evolution of Vegas from a “Sin City” run by mobsters to a corporate-dominated entertainment hub.
De Niro, known for his role as Sam “Ace” Rothstein in the film, quipped about audience behavior in cinemas today, drawing laughter from the crowd. Scorsese has previously mentioned he no longer enjoys watching films in theaters due to disruptive moviegoers.
Casino,adapted from Nicholas Pileggi’s book,delves into the mafia’s control over Las Vegas and the ensuing excess. Its release coincided with a decline in that culture, as figures like Rudy Giuliani cracked down on organized crime.Set against the backdrop of the Clinton administration, the film initially portrayed its characters as fringe figures. However, Scorsese suggested that the current political climate in 2025 might offer a fresh perspective on the film’s themes.
Bell posed the question: “Is Vegas better when it’s run by the mafia, or is it better now when it’s run by the corporations?” Scorsese responded with a smirk, “Is there a difference?” De Niro added, “These days especially,” drawing more laughter.
Scorsese noted that modern Vegas has a cleaner reputation,attracting families,a stark contrast to its “Sin City” past. He also compared Casino to his earlier mafia film, Goodfellas, noting that while initially compared unfairly, Casino has as gained recognition as a standalone work.
Scorsese described Casino’s style as an extension of the frenetic energy seen in the final minutes of Goodfellas, aiming to capture the rhythm of street-corner storytelling. He and De Niro recalled intense night shoots and the film’s graphic violence, including a scene that had to be toned down.
Scorsese recounted his attempt to have Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, the real-life inspiration for De Niro’s character, visit the set, despite Rosenthal being blacklisted in Nevada. He even enlisted the help of former MPAA president Jack Valenti, who was unsuccessful in lifting the ban.
De Niro mentioned that an archive of his costumes from the film is stored at the University of Texas at Austin. He began preserving his wardrobe after realizing items were being stolen following the filming of Scorsese’s musical, New York, New York. He also recalled a time when his shoes for The Godfather II were previously worn by Warren Beatty in Bonnie and Clyde.
Offering advice to young filmmakers,de Niro encouraged them to persevere and believe in themselves. Scorsese echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that filmmaking is never easy, regardless of budget. He quoted director Arthur Penn, urging them to “Remember, don’t lose your amateur status,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining a love for the craft.
Scorsese concluded by urging filmmakers to “take advantage of whatever you can say” while free speech is still valued.