The idea of having lucrative and poular public facing businesses wasn't contradictorary, but necessary. Nicky was right that Rothstein was only there because of him, because Nicky was the mob boss (if I remember correctly) for Las Vegas, they ran the casinos, and Rothstein was 'their guy' running things. Casino is a fictionalized account of real events and real relationships.

Like his role and status didn't make sense to me.Īssuming this isn't a joke, I'll take a shot. So I think Nicky character was out of place in the movie. The casino is a money printing machine for the bosses, and they need it to run as smoothly as possible without interference.

In real life I think in this situation Rothstein would call the bosses in Chicago and tell them that Nicky is out of control and is threatening him, and the bosses would straighten Nicky up, and if needed simply replace him or even kill him.

So Nicky here is clearly out of his league. The only reason Rothstein has the casino is because the bosses in Chicago appointed him to manage it, and they sent Nicky only to provide protection and that's all. Who is he to tell Rothstein what he can and can't talk about with the bosses?Īnd also Nicky's claim 'you have the casino only because of me, if not me every wise guy would have a piece of your ass'. That looks like stepping out of line from Nicky. So it's weird for me when they have this conflict because Nicky didn't like that Rothstein complained to bosses about him, and they meet up in the desert and have this altercation where Nicky warns him not to talk to bosses about him anymore. That doesn't make much sense, because Nicky is only a muscle, a goon, while Rothstein is Casino manager, that's a totally different league. The movie portrays them as equals, as almost partners. Now this a weird combination, why would a guy that owns a top restaurant, and who is responsible for protection of casino that makes millions of dollars, get himself involved in risky crimes like extortion and theft? That's just weird.Īlso his relationship with Rothstein is unrealistic. But it is also mentioned that he owns a lucrative restaurant, that is visited by the city's elites, including top politicians. But later he begins to make money on the side by criminal activities, extortion, burglary, theft. At first he is sent by mob bosses from Chicago to protect Rothstein and the casino. I have a trouble with Nicky character (Pesci), and his relationship with Sam Rothstein (De Niro).įirst I don't completely understand how Nicky makes a living.

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