Entertainment
Why Do Casinos Often Feature in Movies and TV Shows?
Tombstone. An episode of Friends (The One in Vegas). Goodfellas. Ozark. And, well, Casino. If the last one didn’t make it obvious, here’s what they all have in common: the casino takes center stage.
We often take it for granted that casinos have an almost ubiquitous presence in Hollywood. But it’s not a given, right? It’s not like casinos are as common as your average bodega in NY City.
So what makes the casino such a popular backdrop for some of the most famous stories that have graced the silver screen? Let’s explore.
People Just Love Casinos
Movies and TV shows like to depict a reflection of society, what people are into in a given era, and what is popular. And as long as the camera has been running, people have loved casinos.
The core of it, the absolute barebones, is that we love the gameplay. Without high-quality games like blackjack, roulette, and the classic slots, you have no formula.
When you see a casino in a movie, you’re instantly transported to the experience you’ve had in the past, the excitement you felt, the games you enjoyed, and hopefully, the bags of cash you won. By extension, there’s an instant lean towards liking what you’re watching on screen.
Casinos Always Innovate
Casinos also represent innovation. They’re traditional, ooze sophistication, but they also keep up with the times. These days, you’ll find slot machines that look like the best video games on the market.
Traditional games like blackjack and roulette are given a new lease of life by adding elements like sweepstakes, a low-risk, high-reward variant of the games. Additionally, the rise of online sweepstakes casinos introduces a unique blend of gaming and chance, providing players with thrilling opportunities to win big while enjoying timeless favorites. So even though you’re playing games that are hundreds of years old, it’s still something new and fresh.
Movie and television executives know this, and the presence of casinos in their productions subtly injects both the classic and the new into the minds of audiences. You’re comforted and drawn to the familiar, but also intrigued by the innovative nature of casinos.
Driving the Plot of the Movie
Casinos are also fantastic as a backdrop to drive the plot of a movie or television show. Casinos inherently raise the stakes, which is why they’re often used in thrillers.
For example, you have the classic getaway scene. The title character is in a bind, trying to escape the cameras, the tight security, a terrible hand in blackjack, it all sets the tone and drives the excitement.
Casinos are all about big money, even bigger stakes (and not just financial!), and reflect the plot of the movie, or even drive it entirely. That’s why they will always have a spot on the silver screen.
Casinos = Cool
Watch a clip of Casino Royale, or even just the trailer of the Daniel Craig classic. No matter how you slice it, it’s just cool. When you see him schooling other players in the casino, you want to be that guy.
Of course, it’s because it’s James Bond. Yet the casino also does a lot of the heavy lifting. There’s something inexplicably classy about winning a hand of blackjack, or having a crowd of keen spectators when playing craps. It’s an unknown quality, something inexplicable, but something we can all appreciate.
They call it je ne sais quoi for exactly that reason: you can try to explain the draw of the casino, but there’s something almost ethereal about it. Casinos are just cool.
Just think of the movie Ocean’s Eleven. It oozes from start to finish, and it’s not just because it stars Brad Pitt and George Clooney (although admittedly that does have a lot to do with it!). Vegas is at the center of the plot, and it adds to the mystique of the production.
Gangsters and Illegal Activity
And finally, one major reason why casinos feature in movies and television is our fascination with the underworld. Let’s face it: society has a bit of a fetish with gangster figures. We love to hate them. Names like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano have an eternal place in the collective memory; they capture the imagination, even if we know that deep down these were dangerous, evil characters.
Yet we romanticize them. They have the expensive suits, the fast cars, the beautiful women. They take risks that put everything on the line, they have power, and lots (and lots!) of money.
And of course, gangsters and all sorts of illegal activity is tightly connected with the casino industry. In Ozark, the casino drives the crime business. Or how about Casino, one of the ultimate movies about gambling? Without the backdrop of the glitz and glamor of the casino, it’s not quite the same.
Even with online casinos taking a slice of the gambling pie, there will always be room for brick and mortar establishments, in all their sparkly, twinkling glory. And we’ll no doubt continue seeing them at the movies, Netflix, or anywhere else you consume entertainment.
In recent years, the film industry has significantly shifted towards stories set in small towns, bringing fresh perspectives and untold narratives to the forefront.
These stories offer a glimpse into the nuanced lives of communities often overlooked in mainstream cinema, challenging audiences to engage with diverse experiences and environments. This movement towards small-town tales is not just a trend but a transformative force in modern filmmaking, reshaping how stories are told and what stories are considered worth telling.
The Rise of the Underdog
One notable example of this shift can be seen in the Possum Trot movie, a film that brings the intricate dynamics of rural life into the limelight. Such movies go beyond mere settings; they delve into the heart and soul of communities, showcasing the strength, resilience, and complexity of people living far from urban sprawl.
This focus on underrepresented locales has broadened the thematic horizons of cinema and democratized storytelling, allowing for more voices and experiences to be heard.
Authentic Representation
Small town stories provide a platform for authentic representation, showcasing the realities of life in these communities. This authenticity resonates with audiences, offering a break from the often-glamorized portrayals of city life in movies. The realness of the characters, their struggles, and their triumphs strike a chord, creating a more inclusive and relatable cinematic experience.
Diverse Storytelling Perspectives
The shift towards small-town narratives has introduced a variety of storytelling perspectives, enriching the film industry with diverse tales that might otherwise remain untold. These stories challenge stereotypes and offer a more nuanced understanding of places and people frequently marginalized or misunderstood in mainstream media.
Innovative Storytelling Techniques
Filmmakers exploring small town stories often employ innovative storytelling techniques to capture the essence of these communities. From unique cinematography that highlights the natural beauty of rural landscapes to narratives that weave together the folklore and traditions of a place, these films push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
Economic Impact on Small Towns
Interestingly, films set in small towns can have a positive economic impact on the locations where they are shot. They bring attention to lesser-known areas, potentially boosting tourism and local business. This symbiotic relationship between filmmaking and location benefits the art of cinema and the communities that inspire it.
Fostering Community and Connection
Small town stories often center around community, belonging, and connection themes. These universal themes resonate widely, reminding viewers of the importance of human connections and the power of community, regardless of the setting. Films highlighting these aspects can foster a sense of unity and understanding among audiences.
Challenging Mainstream Norms
By bringing small town narratives to the forefront, modern films challenge mainstream norms and expand what is considered worthy of cinematic exploration. This shift not only diversifies the stories seen on screen but also challenges audiences to question and expand their perspectives.
The Future of Small Town Stories in Cinema
As the film industry continues to evolve, the importance of small town stories remains undeniable. These narratives counterbalance the urban-centric tales that dominate cinema, providing a refreshing change of pace and depth. The continued interest in small town stories signifies a broader desire for films that reflect the full spectrum of human experience, promising a future of cinema that is more inclusive, diverse, and representative of our world.
Incorporating small town stories profoundly changes the landscape of modern films. These narratives bring depth, diversity, and authenticity to cinema, challenging conventional storytelling and offering audiences new perspectives on the world.
As filmmakers continue to explore the rich tapestry of life in small communities, we can expect to see a broader, more inclusive representation of human experiences on screen. The shift towards these stories reflects a changing industry and society, which values the stories of all its members, regardless of where they live.
Entertainment
Three True-Crime Documentaries Coming to Netflix in April 2024
Time to snuggle with a cozy blanket and some popcorns!
Netflix has a wide range of TV shows and movies.
Alongside them, Netflix also hosts a lot of documentaries. It has a wide range of documentaries but the true-crime genre is the one that has its audience sitting on the edge of their seats.
There are various true-crime documentaries and docuseries on the platform, including American Nightmare, Girl in the Picture, Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich, Tiger King, and Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer, among others.
In April 2024, various documentaries and docuseries are coming to Netflix. However, the three most anticipated true-crime shows are — What Jennifer Did, Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer, and Files of the Unexplained.
Here is all we know about it.
‘What Jennifer Did’
What Jennifer Did is an upcoming documentary directed by Jenny Popplewell, the creator of another famous Netflix documentary, American Murder: The Family Next Door.
What Jennifer Did digs into the frightening story of Jennifer Pan, who plotted to murder her parents. The crime, disguised as a heist gone wrong, unravels through police interrogation film and interviews, showing Pan’s network of lies leading up to the incident.
Pan is a Canadian woman who was convicted of a 2010 kill-for-hire attack on her parents, which killed her mother and injured her father. The crime occurred at the Pan house in Unionville, Markham, Ontario, in the Greater Toronto Area.
According to her exact account, several gunmen entered the house, forcefully retrained her and her parents, then shot them. Her father, Huei Hann, was sent to the hospital, and her mother, Bich Ha, died instantaneously.
A whole new image appears as the law enforcement personnel piece together the facts. Pan plotted the entire operation with her drug dealer boyfriend, Daniel Wong, whom her parents had forbidden her from dating.
This motivated her to seek his help and devise a plan to murder her parents. This threatening notion was carried out in the form of a burglary, with Pan as the victim. The documentary will also concentrate on her arrest and the legal processes.
What Jennifer Did will be released on April 10, 2024.
‘Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer’
As the name of the documentary suggests, Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer is based on true events that occurred in Berlin. The series examines the case of several odd and unusual killings.
In 2012, three guys were murdered and robbed in Berlin after being unintentionally drugged. While the murderer was called ‘The Darkroom Murderer’ at the time, just one occurred in a dark room at a homosexual bar in Berlin.
‘Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer’ will be released on April 3, 2024. (Source: Netflix)
However, the murderer did look for guys in and around the city’s party scene to prey on victims. Only when one of his targets survived his attack and the assassin attempted to purchase a train ticket with one of the deceased men’s credit cards did the inquiry begin to narrow.
Jan Zabeil and Caroline Schaper directed this true crime show and Netflix will begin streaming the series on April 3, 2024.
‘Files of the Unexplained’
Files of the Unexplained is an upcoming terrifying eight-episode docu-series that talks about strange encounters, weird disappearances, disturbing incidents, the mystery of mutilated feet washing up, and more.
This investigative documentary series examines genuine stories that defy explanations and talk about witnessing weird encounters and strange events.
Files of the Unexplained kind of dives into a similar area as its previous documentaries like Unsolved Mysteries, Haunted, and 28 Days Haunted. According to its plot on Netflix, the series is described as “Eerie encounters, bizarre disappearances, haunting events, and more perplexing phenomena are explored in this chilling investigative docuseries.”
The docuseries will be released on April 3, 2024.
Entertainment
‘Cowboy Carter’ — Everything You Need to Know About Beyonce’s New Album
The album will be released on March 29, 2024.
When Beyoncé announced her 2022 album Renaissance, she made it clear that it was merely the first installment of a multi-act body of work.
And now, after over two years of waiting, the singer has revealed that Act II is on the way — Cowboy Carter. Cowboy Carter, also known as Act II: Cowboy Carter or just Act II, is Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, set to be released on March 29, 2024, by Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records.
It is the second chapter of Beyoncé’s trilogy project, developed during the COVID-19 epidemic, and follows Renaissance (2022).
The then-untitled album was first announced on February 11, 2024, during Super Bowl LVIII, when Verizon Communications aired a Super Bowl commercial, titled ‘Can’t B Broken,’ in which Beyoncé tried to ‘break the Internet’ by doing increasingly outlandish means — from releasing a jazz saxophone record and performing on top of the Las Vegas Sphere to building an AI version of herself and launching a “Barbey” doll collection.
After all of the ideas failed, Beyoncé closed the advertisement by saying, “Okay, they ready. Drop the new music.” Following the broadcast, the singer shared a preview video for Act II on Instagram.
The video paid tribute to the 1984 movie, Paris, Texas, which mentions border blasters, and incorporates Chuck Berry’s 1955 song ‘Maybellene.’ The singer’s official website was updated the same day, announcing her eighth studio album, Act II, which would be released on March 29, 2024.
The album’s two main singles, ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ and ‘16 Carriages,’ were then made available for digital download and streaming. On March 12, 2024, Beyoncé stated that the album would be called Cowboy Carter via a teaser poster with a western saddle and sash.
She released the album cover on Instagram on March 19, 2024, and teased surprises and collaborations on the album. On March 20, 2024, she unveiled a limited edition unique cover featuring a ribbon that says “act ii BEYINCÉ,” referring to a generational family surname.
On March 27, 2024, she unveiled the album’s tracklist via a themed poster. She shared a graphic on Instagram of the album’s tracklist, which was inspired by classic Chitlin’ Circuit posters.
Cover of Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, ‘Cowboy Carter.’ (Source: Instagram)
It includes the titles “Dolly P” and “Smoke Hour Willie Nelson,” implying possible collaborations with Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. Similarly, ‘Jolene,’ was written on the poster, which netizens believe is a cover or reinterpretation of the Parton’s song of the same name.
‘The Linda Martell Show,’ has also been mentioned on the poster, possibly referring to the first Black woman to achieve commercial success in the country genre.
The themed poster revealing the album’s tracklist has been confusing a lot of netizens. The following things have been mentioned on the poster, so possibly, these are the songs on the album.
They are — ‘Texas Hold ‘Em,’ ‘16 Carriages,’ ‘Ameriican Requiem,’ ‘Blackbiird,’ ‘Protector,’ ‘My Rose,’ ‘Bodyguard,’ ‘Daughter,’ ‘Spaghettii,’ ‘Alliigator Tears,’ ‘Smoke Hour Willie Nelson,’ ‘Smoke Hour II,’ ‘Just for Fun,’ ‘II Most Wanted,’ ‘Levii’s Jeans,’ ‘Flamenco,’ ‘Ya Ya,’ ‘Oh Louisiana,’ ‘Desert Eagle,’ ‘Riiverdance,’ ‘Tyrant,’ ‘II Hands II Heaven,’ ‘Sweet Honey Buckin’,’ ‘Amen,’ ‘Jolene,’ and ‘The Linda Martell Show.’
It looks like we will only get to know the collaborations and tracklist of Cowboy Carter after its release on March 29, 2024.
