CASINO

This could be considered the third of Scorsese's 'Mafia trilogy', after 'Mean Streets' and 'Goodfellas', and is often compared unfavourably to the latter, being viewed as an inferior retread of the same thematic material.  This is fair enough up to a point, but this is a quality film if viewed as a standalone piece of work.

The comparison with 'Goodfellas' is inevitable given their similarities.  Both feature De Niro and Pesci, the latter in particular playing the same dangerously unstable character, ending in much the same fate.  Again there is a voiceover commentary, as we look back at how De Niro's period in charge of a Las Vegas casino waxes and wanes.

I couldn't get that interested in the fortunes of said casino and certainly felt a sense of déjà vu as we run through the mechanics of how the mob makes money out of the casino.

Fortunately a couple of things elevate the film.

Firstly, there is, as to be expected, the brilliant editing which manages to seamlessly integrate  a spectacular sound track, with the usual suspects such as the Stones featuring prominently.

And then there is the fascinating triangle of De Niro, Pesci and De Niro's wife Ginger, played by Sharon Stone.  Stone's performance in particular is a revelation, as a multifaceted character who is unsympathetic at times even if we appreciate that she is largely at the mercy of forces, both external and internal, that are outwith her control.

At the heart of the film is meant to be De Niro's love for Ginger, but I didn't totally buy it.  Then again I'm not sure I am ever convinced that any character played by De Niro feeling passion, he always seems cold and self-controlled.  On the other hand I found him totally believable here as a workaholic control freak.

Notwithstanding this reservation, I did find myself increasingly absorbed in the unfolding drama as the lives of all three main characters unravel.

There is also a memorable performance by James Woods as a lowlife who has an emotional hold on Ginger going back to her childhood.

I would have to strongly disagree that this is only the 21st best Scorsese film, as determined by the 'Screen Drafts' podcast.  It is surely better than "Cape Fear".

RATING: ✓ If You've Nothing Better To Do