Casino Jack

Casino Jack

I remember well the case of Jack Abramoff. He was sent to jail for fraud, illegal lobbying and scamming money from Native Americans. I can still picture him with his large black fedora hat and look of confidence. Kevin Spacey does an excellent job portraying this fascinating character. He was interesting because the audience is aware of his illegal dealings. He also had a funny side. He loved movies and was always mimicking lines from various films. He loved his wife. He played the piano. He loved golf and squash. He could be fun and he could be ruthless. His home and office displayed pictures with Abramoff with President Bush and also President Reagan. He was a big player. He had direct access to many members of congress. He claimed that he was trying to do important stuff that mattered to people.

The film begins with a view of Jack looking at himself in the mirror. He says, “Mediocrity is where most people live.” He certainly did not fit into that category. He stated,” I will not allow my family to live like slaves.” The irony is that he became a slave to his corruption and it forced his family to live in the opposite way he had planned.

He charged exorbitant fees to one tribe of American Indians. They ran a large casino. He claimed there was nothing more important than having influence. He claimed it was even more important that the air you breathe. He certainly played on influence. He humored and collaborated with Senator Tom Delaney. Interesting he is now in jail also for corruption. He was a dealer with so many in order to make more money. In the end it just all got out of control. He was a high paid lobbyist who influenced the government in many ways. He claimed that without lobbyists the American government would come to a halt. That is quite a disturbing statement.

His world began to crumble and people started to tell stories of his corruption and excess spending. His former partner told on him and the newspapers and media had a field day exposing him.

Jack Abramoff was sent to jail for 6 years. We see him in jail. Apparently he spends his time leading a Jewish prayer group. He also lectures the cellmates on the process of lobbying. He had hoped that Bush would commute his sentence. It didn’t happen. He felt that the Republicans were hypocrites for playing along with him and then not supporting him.

This is a fascinating true story. It certainly shows the rise and fall of a colorful character. The acting was believable and the film moves at a good pace. It was interesting to see the different feelings for this man. He did provide humor. When he was first ushered into his cell he yelled out that had to have kosher food. It was quite ludicrous to see him explaining lobbyists to his cell mates. I wanted to know more about this period in history. I also found it entertaining. I can’t help but wonder what he will do when he gets out.