Las Vegas has always been the primary setting for filmmakers that want to explore gambling themes on the screen. Now, though, Macao could be emerging as a new setting for casino films. The Eastern gambling hub has established itself as one of the biggest in the world, so it should be attracting more interest from filmmakers.
Ballad of a Small Player is the first major Western picture to be set in Macao, and this could spark a domino effect in which others decide to move away from Vegas in favor of Macao.
Could Macao Topple Vegas in Mainstream Entertainment?
Vegas was once thought of as the central gambling hub, which is why it earned the nickname the Entertainment Capital of the World. However, times have changed in the internet age, and casino gaming has become a much more global experience.
Now, players have access to a wide range of games from different countries. They can play European roulette online and enjoy the classic version of the game with a single zero, or they can find the American variant. There are also plenty of offerings that are more popular in the East, such as sic-bo.
With many people discovering gambling online nowadays, Vegas may be starting to lose its appeal as the world’s main destination for casino entertainment. In addition to that, for some people, travelling all the way to the Nevada desert is too difficult. Macao is a more accessible gambling hub for many, which is why it is getting a reputation as a rival to Vegas. The entertainment industry seems to be taking note of this as well, which is why some production companies are now deciding to make films there, rather than in Vegas.
Ballad of a Small Player Received Mixed Reviews
For Macao to become regarded as a true rival to Vegas on screen, it may require a bigger hit than Ballad of a Small Player. Even though the film included a great performance from Colin Farrell in the lead role and was marketed to mass audiences on Netflix, it earned mixed reviews from critics.
The consensus was that the film wasn’t cohesive, and it failed to capitalize on some of its better moments. However, many critics praised Farrell’s performance, with the actor going from strength to strength in recent years.
If Macao is going to become the new Vegas for filmmaking, it will need many more films featuring huge stars to have a chance of toppling the USA’s gambling hub. The Western destination has a rich history and has earned its place as a premier spot for filmmakers. There have been countless classics shot there over the years, from the early offerings with Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, to modern classics like Ocean’s Eleven.
In time, Macao could gain recognition as a great place to shoot gambling films, and Ballad of a Small Player may spark a snowball effect that attracts other filmmakers to the region. But it will require decades of great pictures for it to compete with Vegas as a hotspot for cinema. Â
