The 2010 drama “Casino Jack” from ATO Films was directed by George Hickenlooper with the screenplay written by Norman Snider. Starring: Kevin Spacey, Ruth Marshall, Graham Greene, Hannah Endicott-Douglas, Barry Pepper, John Robinson, Jason Weinberg, Kelly Preston, Spencer Garrett, Yok Come Ho, Anna Hardwick, John David Whalen, Matt Gordon, Jeffrey R. Smith, Christian Campbell, Jon Lovitz and Eric Schweig.
In this stranger than fiction story based on true events the meaning of the phrase “power corrupts” comes into clear focus. For an insider view of how the politics of our era have spun out of control comes the prime example of Jack Abramoff, a lobbyist who parlayed his charm and persuasive wit to gain access to some of the most powerful people in Washington, D.C.
It could be said that the name of Jack Abramoff’s (Kevin Spacey) business was Greed. But although his road to power took several years, the markers of his downfall surfaced early on in his career with his support of controversial and unpopular views that put him at odds with reality of the damage he was causing as a result.
By the time Jack was hired as a lobbyist he had fully formed his vision of how he could help a lot of people with the money he earned. His vision included the establishment of a foundation, but channeled money through them to other purposes and individuals instead to the stated goals of the r organization. With the aid of his partner Michael Scanlon (Barry Pepper) he used his long standing political connections and appointments to justify exorbitant fees to influence members of Congress in relation to bills that would affect the interests of their clients.
Hiring Jack and his access card to the people who shape our lives wasn’t cheap. However, the beginning of the end was sparked by his proposal to Native American Indian tribes to represent their interests for a fee of$30 million while at the same time representing the interests of government and large corporations. However by this time Jack’s success has gained media attention and along with it enquires by investigators who were alarmed by the amount of money Jack was earning. Eventually the subject of a Senate hearing, Jack continued to move forward with his plans. Dubbed the “Super Lobbyist” greed was the main motivation for his involvement in an investment deal that goes terribly wrong ending in murder and imprisonment.
