Casino

A slower, more refined Goodfellas...

Casino released not long after Goodfellas, sharing a similar plot, subject matter, and even much of the same cast. (I remember going through a Scorsese phase at a young age—after watching Goodfellas, I moved on to Casino, and the similarities initially threw me off, to the point where I didn't have a great impression of Casino for some years after).

For Scorsese fans, Goodfellas and Casino often spark debate, with strong preferences for one over the other. I love both. Initially I preferred Goodfellas, as it had more crackle and pop. But over time, I grew to appreciate Casino more. Again, they are not too dissimilar, but Casino has a certain edge in terms of the story, the characters and the cinematography. If I had one criticism, it’s that Scorsese sometimes tries a bit too hard to make certain scenes overly cinematic with his use of music and camera work. That said, my favorite scene—a meeting in the desert—is guilty of exactly that, yet it works brilliantly.

De Niro has never been known for flashy performances; his strength lies in quiet, reserved roles. In Casino, his portrayal is more nuanced and refined than his usual work, subtly layered in a way that might not be immediately obvious. It reminds me of his brilliant, understated role in The Godfather II, where he could convey so much without saying anything at all. I think the same can be said for Joe Pesci, a highly underrated actor whom I appreciate more and more as time goes by. His performances, often overshadowed by his more famous co-stars, become increasingly impressive with each viewing, and here is no different.

These actors, these films, are relics of a bygone era—a type and standard we’re unlikely to see again.