The cultural exchange between the casino and the cinema
The beauty of cinema is that it draws influence from all walks of life. Film fans and directors alike will often say that the simple key to great film-making is accurately depicting - and perhaps amplifying, the world around us.
Popular films have utilised culture from the world of sport, music, and crime to create compelling narratives and memorable characters. The themes are harnessed to excite, delight, or horrify, depending on the concept.
In this article, we will examine the influence that the world of the casino has had on film-making, as well as the influence that film-making has had on the casino. The glamour of the classic 20th-century casino provides a colourful backdrop to film-making and the two industries have borrowed heavily from one another for generations.
Fashion
Some of the fashion worn by players in casinos is heavily influenced by film. For example, James Bond is often depicted in his trademark tuxedo which has helped create a more sophisticated perception of card games like poker, blackjack, and, Bond’s personal favourite, baccarat. Mr. Bond has also influenced how some casino-goers dress for the occasion.
To perhaps emulate characters like James Bond, players visiting casinos, either at home or overseas in places like Las Vegas and Macau, like to dress up for the occasion. It’s even possible to stage your own gaming night at home and enjoy the thrills of the most popular pursuits with friends from the comfort of your own home.
If you’re planning to play casino roulette games online it can be just as fun getting dressed up and making a night of it. One great tip is to cast the games from your laptop or phone to the TV so that all of your guests can enjoy spinning the wheel and placing their bets.
Storytelling
The classic casino games deliver no shortage of tension and excitement, which makes them a perfect fit for cinema. The anticipation of a crucial card being turned in a game of blackjack, or the make-or-break moment when an opposing poker player reveals their hand, are types of expressive devices that can be leveraged by film-makers.
There are some cinematic titles where the theme of cinema is integral to the film’s storyline. The 2008 film ‘21’ is named after the perfect blackjack hand and its promotional poster features the cast, including Jim Sturgess and Kate Bosworth, set against a playing card. This is a good example of how directors use imagery to subtly inform the audience.
The fundamental concept of gambling, which has its origins in traditional betting games, is also heavily utilised by many directors to build suspense in countless major pictures. So often we hear about our lead character being ‘forced to risk it all’ in an attempt to claim the ultimate reward.
Music
On a more subtle level, the music of the classic 20th-century casino has helped to set a particular atmosphere in quintessential cinema titles. Certain complexes in Las Vegas host performances by huge musical acts, while players are often entertained by cabaret acts as part of their evening at the card table.
Equally, the subtle and sophisticated sounds of the house piano player help set a particular mood in many casinos, and that audio aesthetic is often borrowed to help set a cinematic scene. Recent popular films like The Great Gatsby relied on these kinds of musical devices to establish a backdrop of wealth and luxury in connection with frivolity or tragedy.
As you can see, the worlds of the casino and the cinema are truly intertwined. The two industries have influenced and borrowed from one another throughout the last 100 years and it appears certain that this trend will continue.
