What do movies like Casino Royale, 21, and Rounders all have in common? The answer is that they are all movies with a casino theme. Given how popular they are, it shouldn’t be surprising that several films, TV shows, and documentaries have been made on casinos.
You may be wondering why Hollywood is so drawn to making movies about casinos, given how many are being made about them. In this article, we will be decoding Hollywood’s persistent attraction to casino-centric films. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Reasons Why Hollywood is So Attracted to Casino-centric Films
1. Casino-centric films are very relatable
Casinos may scream luxury and glamour, but that does not mean the everyday person occasionally does not partake in it. In fact, many people play casino games for real money. And with the rise of online casinos, gambling only takes a few clicks.
Hollywood strives to make movies that the ordinary person can connect to, and the same can be true about casino-themed films.
Several people will be able to easily understand the film since most people have played bets, casino games, or card games at some point in their lives. Not to mention, the audience will be able to relate to the characters’ feelings, motivations, and obstacles.
2. It helps fans of gambling live their fantasies and daydreams
Many people who gamble fantasize and daydream about winning big. Watching characters whose dreams come true on the big screen is the best way to bring these fantasies to life.
When people watch characters become millionaires by winning a game and entering into a life of glitz and glamour, fans of gambling experience a certain amount of exhilaration. If you like gambling, these movies can serve as a form of motivation, and as long as you set objectives to gamble responsibly, you may be able to reach your gambling goals.
3. Casino-centric movies come with a certain level of thrill and excitement
Who doesn’t want to watch a movie that keeps them constantly guessing? Hollywood is always on a quest to create unpredictable and excitable movies. And casino-centric movies meet this criteria.
Many of the best casino films add other factors like heists, sleazy casinos, and secret missions to the plot, increasing the movie’s thrill. And the trope for casino movies is typically Las Vegas.
Another thing that adds to the excitement and thrill of casino movies is the display of wealth and luxury, which many people find appealing.
4. There are many plot possibilities
Since Casino environments can be complex, film producers and scriptwriters have many plot possibilities. The adaptability of the casino setting provides for a broad range of storytelling styles. The styles a filmmaker could make in a casino setting range from a dark criminal thriller taking place in the shadow of the gaming tables or a romantic comedy. The casino setting could also be used for horror or paranormal movies. The possibilities are truly endless!
For instance, the movie “21” capitalizes on this adaptability by fusing aspects of the thriller, drama, and heist genres. Based on a true incident, the movie centers on a group of bright students who use their aptitude for mathematics to defeat the house at the blackjack tables in Las Vegas. The complex storyline and gripping narration demonstrate how a casino may serve as a blank canvas for various exciting tales.
5. It helps filmmakers explore human character
It’s no secret that characters are one of the most significant driving forces in any work of fiction. And the personalities of characters in movies help filmmakers explore human characters. Casino films frequently explore corruption, vice, and the desire for atonement.
Filmmakers can examine the darker aspects of human nature since the gambling industry acts as a great example of where human vices can take place. Not to also mention the temptation of easy money. Characters struggle with moral quandaries when they give in to the casino’s attractions and then deal with the fallout.
Have casino-centric movies changed the way people view casinos?
People’s perceptions of casinos in general will inevitably shift given how well-liked casino films are in Hollywood. Casinos used to be thought of as seedy hangouts where individuals went to gamble away their belongings and get into horrible circumstances. Nevertheless, a lot of people no longer see casinos negatively because of the popularity of casino films, and a lot more people are now interested in gambling.
Apart from changing people’s perceptions of casinos, casino movies have also influenced how many casinos operate. For instance, some casinos adopt laws and policies after seeing them in movies, like parties and VIP treatment.
Conclusion
We hope that at the end of this article, you finally know why Hollywood tends to create casino-themed movies. Let us know what your favorite casino-centric films are in the comment section!