New Jersey’s casinos have played a significant role in shaping the state’s cultural and economic landscape. Atlantic City, in particular, has been a hub of casino activity since the 1970s.
While Las Vegas usually takes center stage in movies about casinos, over the years, the development and evolution of New Jersey’s casinos have captivated filmmakers, leading to the creation of several movies that showcase this fascinating history.
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Atlantic City (1980)
Louis Malle’s “Atlantic City” takes us back to the city’s past, offering a thrilling tale set in the early 1980s. Burt Lancaster portrays Lou, a former mobster running a numbers game, who finds himself embroiled in a cocaine deal after falling for a casino waitress named Sally, played by Susan Sarandon.
It was nominated for the Big Five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Louis Malle), Best Actor (Burt Lancaster), Best Actress (Susan Sarandon), and Best Original Screenplay. The film received critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling and memorable performances. The film has a rating of 7.3/10 on IMDb and a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating its positive reception among audiences and critics.
Set against the backdrop of crumbling architecture and faded glamour, “Atlantic City” provides a nostalgic look at the once-thriving resort town. The film skillfully portrays the contrast between the dreams of ordinary people hoping to strike it rich and the harsh reality of the casino industry’s darker underbelly.
Burt Lancaster’s captivating performance as Lou embodies the struggle between nostalgia and progress, painting a vivid picture of the historical development of Atlantic City’s casinos.
The movie captures the allure and danger of the Atlantic City casino scene during its transformation. It showcases the impact of organized crime and the changing landscape on the city’s identity.
Sour Grapes (1998)
Larry David, creator of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and co-creator of “Seinfeld,” wrote and directed this comedy film set in Atlantic City. The story revolves around a feud between cousins Richie and Evan, triggered by a massive jackpot won by Richie in an Atlantic City casino. “Sour Grapes” performed moderately at the box office, earning a total of USD 123,104.
“Sour Grapes” explores the dynamics of relationships and social awkwardness while showcasing the vibrant casino environment of Atlantic City.
With Larry David’s signature humor, “Sour Grapes” navigates the complexities of family dynamics and the greed that can arise when money is involved. The film humorously captures the excitement and tension of a big win in a casino, as well as the challenges that arise when dealing with newfound wealth.
As Richie and Evan’s relationship unravels, the movie provides an entertaining glimpse into the humorous and often absurd situations that can occur in Atlantic City’s casinos.
Rounders (1998)
While not entirely set in New Jersey, “Rounders” highlights the prominence of Atlantic City as a gambling destination. Matt Damon stars as Mike McDermott, a law student and skilled poker player who gets drawn back into high-stakes gambling to help his friend out of debt. With an IMDb rating of 7.3/10, this film has captivated audiences with its thrilling storyline and intense performances.
While most of us would prefer the convenience of playing at New Jersey online casinos, the characters in the following movies have experienced all sorts of adventures within the bustling casinos of Atlantic City. “Rounders” paints a vibrant and gritty picture of the Atlantic City poker scene, where fortunes can change with the flip of a card.
Through its characters, the film explores the intense passion and skill required to navigate the competitive world of professional gambling. Matt Damon’s portrayal of Mike McDermott showcases the allure of the casino lifestyle.
At the same time, Edward Norton’s performance as Lester demonstrates the dangers and consequences that can arise from getting in too deep. The movie offers a unique perspective on the historical development of Atlantic City’s casinos as a hub for high-stakes poker and a battleground for players seeking fortune and redemption.
Owning Mahowny (2003)
With a budget of $10 million, “Owning Mahowny” brings to life the gripping and harrowing tale of Dan Mahowny. Based on a true story, “Owning Mahowny” stars the late Philip Seymour Hoffman as Dan Mahowny, a bank employee who embezzles funds to fuel his gambling addiction in Atlantic City casinos. The film explores the darker side of gambling and the personal struggles of individuals caught in addiction.
Philip Seymour Hoffman delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Dan Mahowny, a man whose addiction drives him to desperate measures. The film showcases the magnetic pull of the casino environment and the allure of fleeting highs as Mahowny becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deceit to sustain his habit.
“Owning Mahowny” sheds light on the historical development of Atlantic City’s casinos by highlighting the devastating effects of compulsive gambling and the ethical dilemmas faced by those working within the industry.
Fatal Desire (2006)
This made-for-TV movie stars the prolific Eric Roberts as Joe, a former cop who now works as a pit boss in an Atlantic City casino. Lonely since the breakup of his marriage, Joe turns to online dating and connects with a woman named Tanya (Anne Heche).
“Fatal Desire” showcases the darker side of Atlantic City’s casino world, delving into deception, obsession, and betrayal themes. Eric Roberts delivers a compelling performance as Joe, capturing the vulnerability of a man seeking companionship in a city of illusions.
In classic Film Noir fashion, Tanya turns out to be a dangerous femme fatale who intends to manipulate Joe into murdering her husband for his life insurance policy. The film exposes the potential dangers that lurk within the glamorous façade of Atlantic City’s casinos, providing a cautionary tale about the consequences of falling into the wrong hands.
The Cooler (2003)
“The Cooler” offers a different perspective on New Jersey’s casinos by exploring the employees’ lives. William H. Macy plays Bernie Lootz, a “cooler” employed by a Las Vegas casino, but the film also touches upon the Atlantic City casino scene. Bernie’s job is to spread bad luck and cool down gamblers’ winning streaks.
“The Cooler” presents an intriguing look into the casino industry from a unique angle, focusing on the role of luck and the dynamics between the players and the house.
Set in both Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the film sheds light on the historical development of New Jersey’s casinos by showcasing the meticulous strategies employed to manage the odds in favor of the house.
These films offer a diverse range of narratives, delving into the allure, risks, and consequences associated with gambling and the impact of the casino industry on individuals, relationships, and the city itself. As these movies unfold, they paint a multifaceted portrait of Atlantic City’s casinos and their role in shaping the region’s cultural and economic landscape.
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