Thanks to the often opulent and decadent designs of casinos, they look great on film, and always provide a great environment for some hi-jinx. There have been many amazing casino themed films made over the years, but a few stand out from the crowd for various reasons. These films feature real casinos rather than sets, and have made a lasting impression on movie buffs and gambling enthusiasts across the globe.
The Cooler
A Cooler is a gambling term for someone considered bad luck, as in he will cool down a hot streak. This 2004 film stars William H Macy and Alec Baldwin. William H Macy is essentially a professional cooler employed by Alec Baldwin, a powerful casino owner.
Much of the film takes place at the Shangri-La casino in Las Vegas. Macy wishes to leave Las Vegas and start a new life, but Baldwin wants to keep him employed at the Shangri La and decides to hire a girl to seduce him. Meanwhile he has to keep his eye on the local industry that is quickly relieving him of his once powerful status.
An intriguing and exciting film, the Shangri-La forms the perfect backdrop, and adds to the authenticity of the film.
Casino
Casino is an incredibly powerful film with iconic performances from big Hollywood stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone. It follows the life and times of Sam Rothstein, played by De Niro, as he tries to survive while making money in the casinos of Las Vegas.
The majority of the casino scenes were filmed at the Riviera Casino in Las Vegas and the film went on to earn two Golden Globes and an Academy Award for Best Actress for Sharon Stone. After watching this film you will definitely be even more thankful for online casinos, as although they may not be as glitzy as Vegas, they have no murky waters to navigate!
The Swingers
Filmed at the infamous Stardust Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Swingers is a fast paced and effortlessly cool film.
It follows a group of unemployed actors featuring Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau and Ron Livingston. They travel to Vegas in order for Jon’s character Mike, to get over his painful breakup and the antics that ensue ensure this film is firm favourite for those that love casinos and enjoy a bit of dark humour.
Hard Eight
Hard Eight is essentially a crime thriller, but it is a powerful yet understated film. It follows an aging gambler befriending, and then training, a down on his luck young man.
Soon love and murder become the centrepieces of the film, taking you on a dark journey. There are not any major casinos scenes in the film but the film is still more than worth your time if you enjoy gambling. Look out for a great performance by Samuel L Jackson.
Bugsy
Finally we get to easily one of the finest casino based films ever made. 1991’s Bugsy follows the life of famed gangster Bugsy Malone, played to the hilt by Warren Beatty.
It follows his life quite accurately and tells the story of the role he played in building the Flamingo Casino in Nevada Las Vegas, essentially establishing the legendary town itself.
The film received many award nominations but unfortunately lost out as it was also competing that year with Silence of The Lambs. Despite this, the film lives on as one of the greatest casino themed films ever made.
