When it comes to edge of the seat entertainment and drama, it’s no surprise that filmmakers so often turn to the casino for inspiration. There’s something about the unique atmosphere and turn of the card jeopardy that keeps audiences glued to the screen.
Some of the most intense scenes in cinematic history have played out over roulette wheels and poker tables. ‘Casino’, ‘Casino Royale’, and ‘Ocean’s Eleven 11’, are all great examples of films that have perfectly captured that excitement and tension.
Changing Attitudes
Filmmakers have not only tapped into gaming’s growing audience but helped grow its acceptance by showcasing it to the world. The relaxation of gaming laws over the last few years has also transformed cultural attitudes to casinos. Playing casino games today is a normal leisure activity for many people and one that is popular across the globe.
The evolution of online casinos has also played a major part, with innovations such as live dealer casino games bringing the thrill of the casino floor to online players. Matched bets, free spins, casino deposit bonus, and much more, are all enticing new customers to join in the fun.
Storytelling
Filmmakers frequently use casinos in movies in order to explore themes such as risk, greed, and moral ambiguity. It creates settings that reveal characters frailties and strengths, as they face important decisions and consequences that reflect universal human experiences.
Casinos naturally provide a built-in environment of tension and excitement with their bright lights and unique atmosphere. This makes them ideal locations for various film genres, such as thrillers, dramas, and action movies.
However, it’s not unusual for directors to utilise the dark, moody atmosphere of a backstreet poker tournament to set the scene. The gritty, underground nature of an illegal poker game, can add another level of tension and intrigue to a film, with “Rounders” and “21” excellent examples.
Classic Casino Movie Scenes
Some of the most iconic movie scenes ever made feature casinos and gambling. Here’s our guide to what makes them so good.
Casino Royale (2006)
James Bond movies have long utilised the glamour, sophistication and high stakes excitement of casinos in their films. ‘Dr. No’, ‘Thunderball’, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’, ‘Diamonds Are Forever’, and ‘Licence to Kill’ are just some of the many that feature casino scenes.
The luxurious setting serves as a memorable backdrop for the action and a clever tool for advancing the story’s plot. These sequences showcase Bond’s sophisticated and confident nature and highlight his intelligence, wit, and ability to remain calm under intense pressure.
In Casino Royale, the first film starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, 007 enters a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale in Montenegro. But this is more than just a game of cards, this is a battle of nerves, intellect, and intimidation between Bond and his enemy Le Chiffre.
The dramatic final hand sees Bond claim a nerve-wracking victory in front of a rapt audience of onlookers. The slow burning scene is a wonderful balance of tension and elegance that perfectly introduces Daniel Craig to a new generation of fans.
The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
This classic film features one of the best poker scenes in cinematic history. Steve McQueen plays the up-and-coming “Kid”, who goes head-to-head with seasoned pro Lancey Howard (played by the legendary Edward G. Robinson).
The scene is beautifully but simply dressed, ensuring the focus remains on the two players. Set in a dark, smoke-filled room, a pile of dollar bills sits in the middle of a small round table with a single light hanging above it to frame the scene.
The two men are sat across the table from each other and surrounded by an enthralled audience of onlookers watching the drama unfold. The final hand is a slow burning smoke-filled showstopper.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
There are many technical and logistical challenges when it comes to filming in casinos, especially in Las Vegas. Open 24/7 and with constant noise and thousands of unpredictable visitors to deal with, filmmakers require meticulous organization and preparation skills in order to get the shots they want.
That’s what makes ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ such a great movie. They shot the film in multiple casinos in Las Vegas, using the magnificent Bellagio Casino and its dancing fountains as the backdrop for the film’s audacious heist. Because, when it came to depicting the glitz, glamour and atmosphere of the Vegas casino scene, there was not set capable of coming close. It was the real thing or bust.
Real footage of the Bellagio’s interior was also used, while The Mirage, The Flamingo, Caesars Palace, Venetian, and MGM Grand also played their part. This is a film that put casinos back in the spotlight and is a heartfelt lover letter to Las Vegas.
