Hollywood has long been known to feature films revolving around gambling, from high-stakes card games to casino heists. Some of these movies even boast legendary actors such as Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman (Rain Man) and Robert De Niro (Casino).
Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman appear in this 80s classic as they attempt to win big at Blackjack at one of Las Vegas’ largest casinos. One unforgettable scene features a cowboy who places his feet confidently on the table before casino security guards forcefully remove him.
1. The Sting
Paul Newman and Robert Redford play two con men who devise an elaborate scheme to dupe crime boss Doyle Lonnegan. Director George Roy Hill expertly orchestrates all the various narrative gambits and dramatic twists to make for an entertaining film that puts on quite the show.
The story within a story captures a certain forked impulse of nineteenth-century theater, with its mix of realistic portrayals and shocking display of shock-and-awe effects. Furthermore, it shows how larger-than-life sets, costumes and special effects can captivate an audience and transport them back in time.
While The Sting may not have a classic Snyderian plot, its climactic moments still invoke that “what will happen next” feeling associated with great Catalyst moments. These remind moviegoers that The Sting is not only an Oscar contender but is made for moviegoers who appreciate watching masters of crafty entertainment do their work onscreen.
2. Casino
One of the most iconic casino scenes ever depicted on film can be found in Martin Scorsese’s classic Casino. Starring Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone, this film delves into organized crime’s influence on casinos in Las Vegas. One memorable scene occurs when Sam “Ace” Rothstein (De Niro) confronts two cheaters using Morse code and shows them that greedy gamblers make for easy targets.
21 is another popular casino movie which follows a group of MIT blackjack students (inspiration from real ones) trying to beat the house. Although some critics claimed it exaggerated some facts, it remains enjoyable and features plenty of attractive actors.
3. Rain Man
Martin Scorsese’s 1995 crime drama Casino features one of the most unforgettable casino scenes ever filmed, as Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone reunite to depict Las Vegas casinos from within.
De Niro plays the central character, who must expose a pair of cheaters at a blackjack table using Morse code communication during their games. One unforgettable scene features how these crooks use Morse code in order to communicate during play.
Dustin Hoffman’s performance as Raymond in Rain Man revolutionized public perception of autistic savants. He managed to establish an emotionally charged link between himself and the audience without resorting to forced emotions or drama – an impressive achievement that few actors could match.
4. The Color of Money
Casinos have long been an alluring setting for movies. Their glittery lights and high stakes games provide the ideal setting for drama or adventure; whether its comedy like The Hangover or serious crime thriller like A Better Tomorrow – great movies always include memorable casino scenes.
Casino, directed by Martin Scorsese in 1995, features numerous unforgettable casino scenes. One such scene involves Charlie and Raymond; Raymond being autistic yet an exceptional math student helped him win big at blackjack; eventually his skills caused him to owe Chow $80,000 so Alan (Zach Galifianakis) assists Raymond in finding ways to repay this debt.
It was evidently inspired many to try their luck at gambling tables for themselves. Furthermore, Daniel Craig as James Bond in this film features another iconic gambling moment when playing baccarat against Le Chiffre.
5. Mississippi Grind
Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s (Half Nelson) first collaboration was this bitterly funny gambling drama set against Mississippi casinos involving two skid-row losers on a road trip through their states casinos. A throwback to lived-in character films, it contains memorable characters with quirky senses of place that make this small gem truly memorable.
Though the entire movie is excellent, one scene stands out: when Robert De Niro’s Sam “Ace” Rothstein tackles an arrogant cowboy at Casino who puts their feet up on the table before getting kicked out by him headfirst – an expertly done moment of tension and disbelief!
Mississippi Grind was one of the best films released this year and its story about gambling addiction makes for must-watch viewing. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn makes Mississippi Grind even more engaging.
