It’s a significant generalization, but it could be argued that movies fall into two distinct categories. There are those fantasy stories that look to take us away from everyday life, while the rest aim to be as realistic as possible.

One of the ways in which movies stay true to life is by using regular locations, and landmarks that are instantly recognizable among the audience. It could be the Empire State Building, Tower Bridge or the Burj Khalifa. As long as it’s a world-renowned site, viewers will identify with it.

A Common Theme

Many movies use casino play as a central theme. James Bond releases are a good example, but there are others such as Molly’s Game and Ocean’s Eleven. The Bond films often fall into the realms of fantasy, but the other two are based on true stories.

For those tales to be as true to life as possible, the producers look to incorporate iconic casinos as backdrops. Dedicated players will already be familiar with these locations. Maybe you’ve visited some in person, or played at one of many online casinos, testing out the games online before heading to the slots and roulette tables. You can visit this website at https://mega888malaysia.online/ if you want to enjoy a wide variety of games with smooth gameplay.

Even if you’re not a regular casino player, the use of a real location is essential to the credibility of the production, but which movies have used these venues as their backdrops? 

Ocean’s Eleven

We’ve already mentioned this release, so it’s a good place to start. The 2001 version of Ocean’s Eleven is a remake of the 1960s original, and it’s the one that uses casino backdrops to greater effect. Find the best bonuses and deals at boonuspart for a winning edge.

While the lead character Danny Ocean is fictional, the film is based on a true story, and therefore aims to make the action as realistic as possible. Las Vegas is a prime location for the crucial scenes which were filmed at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino.

For films to be believable, they must use iconic locations such as these, and Ocean’s Eleven is a perfect example, of a well-known casino providing an ideal backdrop. 

21

This 2008 release tells the true tale of a group of MIT students who developed a formula to take on the major casinos. 21 shows how those involved developed a system that they believed would turn the odds in their favour.

It’s a gripping tale of how probability works in certain card games, and how the casino proprietors are wary of customers using such schemes. The movie-going public was entertained and 21 was a box office hit.

Clearly, the subject of table play was pivotal to the action in this release. The Nevada Film Office confirmed that several different locations were used in and around Las Vegas, and these included Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, The Venetian and the Red Rock Casino.

Casino

There should be no mistaking the theme of this 1995 movie. Casino was delivered by the multiple award-winning director Martin Scorcese and it features an all-star cast including Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone.

Casino explores a historic story of legitimate casinos and the underground world, and it’s another movie to be based on a true story. Scorsese was meticulous with detail, and that’s why many of the gaming scenes were shot at the Las Vegas Riviera.

Hard Eight

Not every casino-themed film derives from true stories, but even the purely fictional releases require an element of realism. Hard Eight appeared in 1996, and it was the debut film of director Paul Thomas Anderson.

The movie focuses on a pro player who takes on a protegee. All is well until the newbie falls for Gwyneth Paltrow’s cocktail waitress character. With Anderson eager to make an impression on Hollywood, the realism portrayed in Hard Eight is backed up by physical casino locations including the Nugget Resort in Nevada.

Diamonds Are Forever

Later James Bond films include purpose-built casino sets. Budgets are less restrictive, so the director can create a new location whenever they wish. This wasn’t always the case, and earlier releases made use of real life locations.

1971’s Diamonds Are Forever is just one example. Indulging in 007’s love for the tables, part of the action is filmed at The Riviera, Circus Circus, and Tropicana, all of which are in Las Vegas.

Every major casino in Atlantic City or on the Las Vegas strip will know that it can earn extra revenue by hiring itself out as a film location. Producers will pay a premium to access the site, and the rates will be even higher if the venue has to close to regular members of the paying public.

For the movie goers, there is that element of essential realism that a release has to provide. This side of the film will only succeed by using real life casino locations as a backdrop, and the titles here do it better than the rest.