Hollywood and fashion go together like a hand to a glove – they are the perfect pair. It’s the demure of casino chic meets the glitz and glam of Hollywood movies, and we can’t get enough. The wild world of Hollywood has churned out several casino-themed films throughout the years, and though there are some of the greats in regard to plot, we’re delving into the choices they make when it comes to fashion.
High-stakes betting on the big screen is synonymous with haute couture, which carves a painting into the world of fashion. It could be tailored three-piece suits from none other than our beloved 007, to sophisticated gowns that mimic the gold glitz of their surroundings.
Fashion isn’t just a specific part of these films, it’s a statement that exudes power and allure. From our favorite femme fatale to handsome leading stars, these fashion-fuelled casino movies have made the world of betting and dressing up part of the rule book for all.
1. Ocean’s Eleven
It wouldn’t be right to create a rundown on casinos and fashion without adding an Ocean’s film to the mix. Ocean’s Eleven was released in 2001 and managed to be ranked as the number five highest-grossing film of all year. It’s both swanky as it is thrilling, and the addition of blockbusters’ most glam stars is what made this our number one on the list.
George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts are just to name a few, and they are all dressed to the nines in this infamous film. Unlike the Ocean 8 counterpart where it was the star-cladded female leads who stole the show, Ocean’s Eleven has the men at the forefront of fashion. As the eleven skilled criminals execute an outlandish heist throughout three of Vegas’ most sought-after casinos, they’re decked in attire to match this powerful move.
In the final scene of the film, you’ll spot Rusty (Brad Pitt) donning a two-piece cream ensemble, which is paired with a custom snakeskin cream shirt with large point collars and wait for it… the matching snakeskin boots. This could be the icing on the cake of such a showstopper film, but then George Clooney had to blow it out of the park by joining him in a three-piece black tuxedo. How suave!
2. 21 (2008)
It wouldn’t be a blog about casinos without the renowned true-story movie from 2008, aptly named 21. As the name suggests, it’s about real-life events surrounding 6 MIT students who become experts at counting cards in the game of blackjack. The film begins with the main character, Ben, being persuaded by his math professor at MIT to join an elusive group of five other students.
All experts in the field of math, this group were selected because the professor knew that card counting in blackjack would be a piece of cake for them – and he was right. On a mission to pay off his crippling school fees, Ben opts to join the team, and they head to Las Vegas to try and beat the house. To do so, they had to master the concept of assigning tags, such as +1, 0 , and -1 to cards, based on their value. As each card passed through the table, they would add or subtract to achieve a “running count” of the remaining tags.
When the count was positive, meaning more high value cards remain, they’d bet more. When it was negative, meaning more low cards remain, they would bet less. While counting seems simple, doing it quickly and accurately takes lots of practice, and the students seemed to have learned it well.
Eventually, even their fashion choices took a momentous turn, because they evolved from regular math students, donning jerseys and sweats to suave black-tie wearing gentlemen who are on a mission to win big. They manage to rake in millions at a time due to their skillful ability in card counting, and their skill in keeping poker face between the team at the table. The movie takes a sour turn when players begin to get greedy, and the suspense and action make this a must-watch film.
3. Casino Royale
If you were going to force Bond out of retirement, we’re glad it was for the streets of Montenegro. Home to the rich and famous, Casino Royale was centered there, with the plot being about 007 needing to defeat a private banker in a game of poker at the aptly named Casino Royale.
In a bid to beat the banker who’s known for terrorist behavior, Bond’s mission to win in the world of casino and betting. Now, it is a Bond film, so you can expect the golden glamor oozing from his female counterparts. Bond himself is always spotted in the infamous three-piece tuxedo and bow tie, but his lady friends are dressed to the nines.
There’s a reason people throw “casino royale” themed parties, given that women get to wear their best cocktail dresses or floor-length gowns and most often, a beautifully curated mask. From Cavalli to Alexander Mcqueen, Bond’s female sidekick is dressed to perfection. After being gifted a gown by Bond himself, Vespa Lynd, then enters the casino wearing the Robert Cavalli plunging V neckline dark purple dress – Just like any Bond woman, they’re dressed to impress.
4. Molly’s Games
You wouldn’t think we’d be linking fashion to a film that Michael Cera is in, but here we are. Molly’s Games features Molly herself (Jessica Chastain) running a high-stakes poker tournament for the rich and famous, and she later finds herself in a spot of trouble due to the FBI seeking an interest in her profile.
Taking a different spin from most films centered around gambling, Molly’s Games is narrated by herself in two different time zones – the now, where she discusses with her lawyer, and what the story entailed in her games. Finding herself in high stakes gambling games, she hosts individuals including mafia and stars, that are all set to make her a buck. What’s most interesting is the depths she would go to in terms of dress, as she still wore elaborate cocktail dresses and gowns for these poker parties.
Unlike other casino movies that are set in the rich, exclusive areas and their casinos, this one has organized events in rented hotel rooms, where individuals are dressed rather casually – But not Molly. Still adding effort into everything she does, it’s her fashion choices that make this movie what it is, and we couldn’t love it more.
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