No one is quite sure why the casino provides such an interesting backdrop for the film and movie industry. However, many filmmakers have chosen to set their action in or around a casino in a luxury destination somewhere in the world.
Of course, a strong storyline is needed to ensure that the audience is captivated and many of the best Oscar-winning films take place in mundane locations. However, there is something enthralling about the glitz and glamour of a high-stakes casino. With the hero at the table the camera pans in on the live roulette games and the action can take place.
Casino Royale
Perhaps the most famous film to be set in a casino is James Bond in Casino Royale, this was the first outing of 007, and the action took place in Montenegro during a poker game. His opponent is a mysterious private banker and world terrorist who also happens to be very good at playing poker. Working alongside Bond, his glamorous female assistant takes the form of a Treasury agent, and his male counterpart is an MI6 man already based in Montenegro.
Of course, Bond and his team are successful and recover a considerable amount of money, but it is not without drama action and the glamour we have come to expect from the James Bond movies. One of the other reasons why this film is so appealing is the fact that at a casino, evening wear is often worn which gives Bond a good excuse to pop on his tux and make the ladies swoon.
The smartly dressed croupier and the stunning dresses of the female participants work well with the camera, which is something that every cinematography fan is looking for. The escape from real life, the amount of money on offer and the fact that this is not something that many of us will never get to experience, complete the lure of the casino on the big screen.
Ocean’s Eleven
It is not just sitting at the tables playing that the moviemakers find interesting for their film sets. The Oceans franchise collection of movies is set around the most elaborate and sophisticated casino heist ever seen in history.
Danny Ocean has three rules; don’t hurt anybody, don’t steal from anyone who doesn’t deserve it, and play the game like you’ve got nothing to lose.
The film gets its title from the lead character and the 11 accomplices who plot to steal from three Las Vegas casinos all at the same time, the idea being that they will leave with $150 million. This film is a remake of the 1960 rat Pack favourite, and George Clooney replaces Frank Sinatra in the lead role.
Apart from that the modern take is not that similar to the original movie but the casino still plays a large part in the staging for the film. Further films in the series follow a similar idea that rather than winning at the tables one can simply rob the casino.