Strictly Business Daily Variety -- Revisiting Martin Scorsese’s ‘Casino’ With Owen Gleiberman; Turmoil on ‘Tulsa King’
Nov 20, 2025
Owen Gleiberman, Chief film critic at Variety, dives into his reappraisal of Martin Scorsese’s 'Casino,' discussing its cold, sociological lens and the standout performances, particularly Sharon Stone’s. He calls it an underrated masterpiece and contrasts it with 'Goodfellas.' Meanwhile, Joe Otterson uncovers the chaos behind 'Tulsa King,' detailing staffing issues and the lack of clear leadership, alongside the impact of budget cuts and broken promises. The episode highlights both creative triumphs and turmoil in Hollywood.
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Casino Reveals A Sociological Core
- Owen Gleiberman rewatched Casino during the pandemic and found it mesmerized him for the full three hours.
- He realized the film is colder and more sociological than Goodfellas, revealing a deeper study of money and systems.
A Rewatch Made De Niro's Ace Click
- Owen recounts finding De Niro's Ace Rothstein subtler on a second viewing and feeling drawn to him.
- He admits the performance and world-building passed him by the first time but became captivating on rewatch.
Money Is The Film's True Subject
- Gleiberman argues Casino is fundamentally about obsessive money rather than mob glamour.
- He highlights Sharon Stone's complex performance and the film's rare focus on the female side of the underworld.