Martin Scorsese's 'Casino' marks its 30th anniversary on November 22, 2025, prompting a reevaluation of the film as a definitive classic. Initially met with mixed reviews, the Vegas mob drama now stands out for its hypnotic storytelling and stellar performances. Variety's Owen Gleiberman revisits the movie, arguing it deserves recognition beyond the shadow of 'GoodFellas.'
Anniversary Reflection
Released on November 22, 1995, 'Casino' returns to the spotlight on its 30th anniversary. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film follows Robert De Niro's Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a casino operator navigating the criminal underworld of Las Vegas. Joe Pesci plays the volatile Nicky Santoro, while Sharon Stone portrays the complex Ginger McKenna. Adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's nonfiction book, with a screenplay co-written by Pileggi and Scorsese, it echoes the style of Scorsese's earlier hit 'GoodFellas' from 1990.
Initial Reception and Reevaluation
At its debut, 'Casino' received a divided response from critics and audiences. Running three hours, it was seen as ambitious yet overstuffed compared to the more accessible 'GoodFellas.' Gleiberman, who gave a lukewarm original review, recently rewatched the film and found it mesmerizing. He highlights the opening sequence's hypnotic energy, blending voice-over narration, dynamic camera work, and a soundtrack featuring Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" and rock tracks like the Rolling Stones' "Can't You Hear Me Knocking."
The piece emphasizes how the movie weaves casino operations, personal ambitions, and moral decay into a cohesive narrative. Stone's performance as Ginger is praised for its depth, transforming the story into a raw exploration of relationships amid crime. Gleiberman notes that viewing it without 'GoodFellas' comparisons reveals 'Casino' as Scorsese's darkest mob drama, a pitiless look at the consequences of greed.
Broader Context
This anniversary aligns with a 'Daily Variety' podcast episode where Gleiberman discusses the film. 'Casino' captures the illusion of gambling and the control exerted by casino owners, as Ace explains: "in legalized gambling there is only one winner, and it’s the people who own the casino." The reflection underscores Scorsese's paradox of immersing in underworld intensity while revealing its ultimate cost.