Gambling has been a central theme in cinema for a long time. It is easy to see why, as gambling can bring tension, excitement, and drama to storylines. In addition to this, glitzy casinos can be a real feast for the senses to the big screen, while seedy underground gambling locations can add grit. On top of all this, gambling is often used as a symbol for risk-taking and many other parts of life. So, what are some of the best films centered around gambling? There are many excellent films to consider, so this post will look at a few of the best films with a focus on gambling.
Casino Royale
These days, Casino Royale is often the first film discussed when talking about gambling. This iconic James Bond film with Daniel Craig in his first portrayal as the legendary British spy centers around a high-stakes poker match in a glamorous casino in Montenegro. Fortunately, you do not necessarily have to travel so far for a thrilling poker experience, thanks to the best casinos in Canada, where you can play online poker. Casinos like this also have many other online casino games to enjoy, including blackjack, roulette, and slots.
21
21 follows the story of a brilliant student at MIT who bands together with a group of other students under the leadership of their maths professor who uses their skills to win big at blackjack in Las Vegas. The 2008 drama is highly engaging with a gripping storyline, and it is a real feast for the senses exploring the hedonistic joy of gambling in Las Vegas.
Casino
While 21 explores the colorful, hedonistic side of Las Vegas, Martin Scorcese’s 1995 classic Casino explores the dark underbelly. Starring none other than Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, Casino tells the tale of a low-level mobster (De Niro) and his rise through the ranks in 1970s Las Vegas. As you would imagine with a Scorcese film, there are complex relationships, dangerous conflicts, and vivid cinematography that bring the film to life.
Rounders
The 1998 drama Rounders stars Ed Norton and Matt Damon as two friends who enter the seedy underground poker world in a bid to raise funds to pay off loan sharks on a huge debt. As you might imagine, things are not quite as simple as that, and there is plenty of drama that unfolds both at the poker table and in their personal lives.
Why Gambling Is Such A Hot Subject In Film?
Gambling is a common theme in cinema, and the above are a few of the best examples of films with gambling as a central theme. Gambling can easily bring tension, drama, and excitement to a story, but it can also be used as a powerful symbol and communicate important lessons about life. In addition to this, casinos can also bring glitz and glamor to the big screen to create visually stunning scenes that captivate the audience and help them feel that they are in a real-life Las Vegas casino.
