Gambling Takes a Hollywood Makeover
Gambling is as old as the civilization of man itself. Even cavemen were able to develop a gambling version of their own during those times. It is no longer surprising, therefore, that the industry is raking millions and millions of new players each day. This is especially true now that revolutions in technology allowed gambling to be even more accessible to just about anyone beyond the legal age. Casino is not the only place in the world where you can feel the adrenalin rush of high stake games.
The popularity of casinos and gambling in general prompted the world of movies to take notice as well. In fact, a Hollywood movie about casino gambling has been produced as early as the 1930's. Today, we can count many movies that focused on the life of a gambler or someone connected with the casino industry. Here are some of them:
* The Gambler (1974) - This is one of the best movies about gambling ever made in history. James Caan is the lead star that presented a realistic look at the thrilling and risky world of gambling. This flick recounted the issues from which gambling addiction arise.
* Casino (1995) - This book-based movie stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, no less. It chronicled the connection between a casino-owner in Las Vegas and a 1970's Mafia. With Stone figured in the equation, love issue is also raised.
* Croupier (1998) - True to its title, this movie talked about the life and love of a casino dealer. Clive Owen headlines the pack of talented movie stars who portrayed important roles to provide viewers with a good look behind a casino operation while telling their own compelling stories.
* The Cooler (2003) - This is a pretty unique film because the lead star is not a gambler but someone who is believed to bring bad luck to gamblers. William H. Macy was a lucky guy to perform the main character who was employed by a Las Vegas casino to up the House edge to the maximum. It is also interesting to note that Alec Baldwin is an important member of the cast. He plays the role of the casino owner who, at one point in the movie sought to turn Macy's life into a nightmare.
Those are just about a small slice of the pie. There are movies more that have touched the topic surrounding the colorful world of gambling. Some are out to inspire while others seek to provide a good and honest look at a truly complicated world known to man as gambling.