THE LIFE & TIMES OF SHELDON G. ADELSON

To tell the story of Sheldon Gary Adelson is to tell the story of the American Dream. Where else in the world could the son of immigrants, one a taxi driver, and the other the proprietor of a knitting shop rise to such great heights and power, earning the moniker the “kingmaker” along the way? A film about Mr. Adelson that focuses on his wealth and financial contributions misses the mark. It’s what that money bought, the domino effect it created in the world of politics, entertainment, and news that assures his place as one of the greatest moguls who ever lived.

 

Carnegie had steel, Getty had oil, but Adelson had something more… the ability to see into the future. First as a pioneer in the dawn of the computer age and later by reimagining what a casino can be, and eventually unwilling to remain passive, assuring by all means necessary that his voice and desire to help others achieve their dreams would be heard via his media outlets.

 

Whether he battled against the legalization of cannabis because of the tragic overdose of his son or fought for the Presidential candidate he felt would best serve the country he loved, Mr. Adelson was an original.

 

The creative for this project needs to mirror that theme. Interviews with key personnel are fine, but access to as many letters, personal papers (that are appropriate) will allow the filmmakers the ability to create a narrative in Mr. Adelson’s own voice. A strong, opinionated, and brilliant man unafraid to respond to a question with a straight answer. In this way, Mr. Adelson can do what he did best: tell his own story, fighting the good fight.

 

Visually, there is something fascinating about using the casinos themselves: Las Vegas, Singapore, or Macao as metaphors for his career. For example, the struggles and triumphs in creating the first mega-resort could be used as a device throughout the film while moving back and forth in time from when Mr. Adelson was a young boy borrowing money to sell newspapers and later candy in his vending machine business through his breakthrough with COMDEX that earned him his first fortune. From the actual architecture to the games of chance; blackjack, roulette, and craps, what better way to symbolize a man willing to risk it all for his dreams.

 

The other significant story, spiritual and practical, is his love and support of Israel. The country of his final resting place on the Mount of Olives. Contrasting the tranquility and beauty of Israel, mixed with its never-say-die attitude, is another way to capture the spirit of the man who will rest there for eternity.

 

The facts of his life are well documented, the stories can be told by those who knew him best but to elevate the film it’s critical to arc his character in a clean structure that in a simple way defines who he was. This takes us back to the American Dream, what it is and what defines those who have achieved it. A man like Mr. Adelson; ups, downs, fortunes won and lost, controversy and vindication.

 

That is after all America.