Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Casino and Nicky Santoro
2. Nicky Santoro's Early Life and Criminal Activities
3. Nicky Santoro's Rise in the Mob
4. Nicky Santoro's Relationships with the Mob and Casinos
5. The Real-Life Inspiration behind the Character of Nicky Santoro
6. Comparison between Nicky Santoro and the Character in Casino
7. Impact of Nicky Santoro on the Mob and Casinos
8. Legacy of Nicky Santoro
9. Conclusion
1. Introduction to Casino and Nicky Santoro
"Casino" is a 1995 American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese. The film is set in Las Vegas during the 1970s and revolves around the lives of the characters Sam "Ace" Rothstein (Robert De Niro), his girlfriend Ginger (Sharon Stone), and their friends. One of the most intriguing characters in the film is Nicky Santoro, played by Joe Pesci. In this article, we will delve into the real-life inspiration behind the character of Nicky Santoro.
2. Nicky Santoro's Early Life and Criminal Activities
Nicky Santoro was born on November 20, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was raised in a rough neighborhood and was involved in criminal activities from a young age. Nicky's father, who was also involved in the mob, influenced his son's life and career choices. Nicky began his criminal activities by robbing small-time bookies and later joined the Philadelphia mob.
3. Nicky Santoro's Rise in the Mob
Nicky Santoro's criminal activities led him to become a high-profile mobster. He was known for his ruthlessness and was often referred to as "The Enforcer." In the 1970s, he moved to Las Vegas, where he became involved in the casino industry. Nicky's rise in the mob was fueled by his connections with other mobsters and his ability to intimidate and threaten people.
4. Nicky Santoro's Relationships with the Mob and Casinos
Nicky Santoro had a tumultuous relationship with the mob and the casinos. He was often at odds with other mobsters and casino owners, leading to several conflicts. Despite the conflicts, Nicky was able to maintain his position in the mob and the casino industry.
5. The Real-Life Inspiration behind the Character of Nicky Santoro
The character of Nicky Santoro in "Casino" is inspired by the real-life mobster of the same name. Joe Pesci, who played Nicky in the film, did an excellent job of capturing the essence of the real-life character. Nicky Santoro was known for his intimidating presence and his brutal approach to dealing with enemies.
6. Comparison between Nicky Santoro and the Character in Casino
The character of Nicky Santoro in "Casino" shares many similarities with the real-life mobster. Both were ruthless and violent, and they had a reputation for intimidating people. However, there are also some differences between the two. The character in "Casino" is more of a loose cannon, while the real-life Nicky Santoro was more calculated in his approach.
7. Impact of Nicky Santoro on the Mob and Casinos
Nicky Santoro's impact on the mob and the casino industry was significant. His reputation for violence and intimidation helped him gain a foothold in the industry. However, his behavior also led to several conflicts, which ultimately led to his downfall.
8. Legacy of Nicky Santoro
Nicky Santoro's legacy is a complex one. He was a notorious mobster, but he was also a father and a husband. His life and career were marked by violence and conflict, but he also had a sense of loyalty and pride. Nicky Santoro's legacy is one that will be remembered for generations to come.
9. Conclusion
The character of Nicky Santoro in "Casino" is based on the real-life mobster of the same name. Nicky Santoro was a ruthless and violent mobster, who was known for his intimidating presence and brutal approach to dealing with enemies. His impact on the mob and the casino industry was significant, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
Questions and Answers:
1. What was Nicky Santoro's real-life occupation before he became involved in the mob?
Answer: Nicky Santoro was a high school dropout and worked as a laborer before becoming involved in the mob.
2. Who was Nicky Santoro's mentor in the mob?
Answer: Nicky Santoro's mentor in the mob was his father, who was also involved in the criminal underworld.
3. How did Nicky Santoro become involved in the casino industry?
Answer: Nicky Santoro became involved in the casino industry through his connections with other mobsters and his ability to intimidate and threaten people.
4. What was the relationship between Nicky Santoro and Sam "Ace" Rothstein in real life?
Answer: Nicky Santoro and Sam "Ace" Rothstein were rivals in the mob and had a tumultuous relationship.
5. How did Nicky Santoro's behavior affect his relationships with the mob and the casinos?
Answer: Nicky Santoro's behavior, including his violence and intimidation, led to several conflicts with the mob and the casinos.
6. What was the most significant conflict Nicky Santoro had with the mob?
Answer: One of the most significant conflicts Nicky Santoro had with the mob was his rivalry with Tony Spilotro, which led to Tony's murder.
7. How did Nicky Santoro's relationship with Ginger affect his career in the mob?
Answer: Nicky Santoro's relationship with Ginger, who was also involved in the mob, was a source of tension and conflict in his career.
8. What was the reason for Nicky Santoro's downfall?
Answer: Nicky Santoro's downfall was due to his involvement in several high-profile criminal activities, including the murder of Tony Spilotro.
9. How did Nicky Santoro's legacy influence future mobsters?
Answer: Nicky Santoro's legacy influenced future mobsters by serving as a cautionary tale of the consequences of violence and intimidation.
10. How did Nicky Santoro's life and career reflect the era of the 1970s?
Answer: Nicky Santoro's life and career reflected the era of the 1970s by showcasing the violence, greed, and corruption that were prevalent during that time.
