Why Sam Rothstein Chooses to Beat Up Lester Diamond Instead of Killing Him in Casino 1995

In the 1995 movie 'Casino', Sam Rothstein, played by Robert De Niro, opts to have Lester Diamond, played by James Woods, beaten up instead of killed. This decision is driven by several strategic and ethical considerations that reflect Sam's character and his place in the criminal underworld. This article will delve into the reasoning behind Sam's choice and explore the implications of his actions.

Strategic Considerations

1. Maintaining Control: Sam is keen on maintaining his grip on his operations and the people around him. Killing Lester could attract unwanted attention from law enforcement, which would tarnish his reputation and potentially lead to a power vacuum. By choosing to have Lester beaten up, Sam retains some level of control over the situation and avoids drawing unnecessary scrutiny.

2. Business Consideration: The casino business is built on complex relationships and reputations. Sam understands that killing someone who is even tangentially connected to his business could have wide-ranging repercussions. Associates and other parts of the mob may become wary, leading to potential destabilization within the organization.

3. Personal Code: Throughout the film, Sam Rothstein is portrayed as someone who prefers to handle situations in a way that aligns with his own moral and ethical standards. Beating Lester serves as a warning and a demonstration of power without resorting to the more extreme measure of murder. This approach is consistent with Sam's embodiment of a 'tough guy' with a nuanced view of justice.

The Nature of Sam's Role

Sam's Ethical Perspective: Sam works for the mob but does not kill or order the deaths of others. He considers himself smarter than those who would resort to such violent measures. The police and other law enforcement agencies would be quick to investigate a murder, whereas a beating could be dismissed as a simple territorial dispute. This perspective is rooted in Sam's belief that he can protect his interests and maintain his reputation without having to resort to the harshest forms of criminality.

Sam's Character Characteristics: Sam is not a "tough guy" in the traditional sense. The character of Nicky Santoro in 'Goodfellas' may be brash and prone to violence, but Sam's role in 'Casino' calls for a more calculated and subtle approach. This differentiates Sam's actions and decisions from the impulsive and often violent behavior of his mob colleagues.

The Implications of Sam's Actions

Lester's Value: Despite his flaws, Lester Diamond has value as a hustler and con artist. By choosing to beat him up rather than kill him, Sam demonstrates a strategic mindset that preserves some potential for profit and manipulation within the criminal network. A beating serves as a warning without completely eliminating Lester from the equation, allowing Sam to continue using him as a conduit for criminal activities.

Nicky's Impulsiveness: Another significant factor in Sam's decision is Nicky Santoro's temperament. Nicky is impulsive and prone to violence, which makes him a riskier option for carrying out a task like this. Sam likely knows that sending Nicky to deal with Lester could lead to an uncontrollable situation. By sending someone like Tommy Vithub (Tommy Vistelberg), Sam ensures that the situation remains under his control and that the risks are manageable.

Conclusion

The decision to have Lester beaten up rather than killed is a testament to Sam Rothstein's strategic thinking and his adherence to a personal code of conduct within the criminal underworld. This choice reflects both practical business acumen and a deep-seated sense of justice that aligns with his unique position in the film's narrative. By opting for a beating over murder, Sam demonstrates his ability to navigate the complex world of organized crime with a level of sophistication that is both intriguing and unsettling.

Related Keywords: Casino 1995, Sam Rothstein, Lester Diamond, Nicky Santoro, Mob Code