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Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas [1998]
from Universal Pictures UK
starring Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, Cameron Diaz, Christina Ricci, Gary Busey
directed by Terry Gilliam

Features:

• Anamorphic
• PAL

Editorial Review:

The original cowriter and director of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was Alex Cox, whose earlier film Sid and Nancy suggests that Cox could have been a perfect match in filming Hunter S. Thompson's psychotropic masterpiece of "gonzo" journalism. Unfortunately Cox departed due to the usual "creative differences," and this ill-fated adaptation was thrust upon Terry Gilliam, whose formidable gifts as a visionary filmmaker were squandered on the seemingly unfilmable elements of Thompson's ether-fogged narrative. The result is a one-joke movie without the joke--an endless series of repetitive scenes involving rampant substance abuse and the hallucinogenic fallout of a road trip that's run crazily out of control. Johnny Depp plays Thompson's alter ego, "gonzo" journalist Raoul Duke, and Benicio Del Toro is his sidekick and so-called lawyer Dr. Gonzo. During the course of a trip to Las Vegas to cover a motorcycle race, they ingest a veritable chemistry set of drugs, and Gilliam does his best to show us the hallucinatory state of their zonked-out minds. This allows for some dazzling imagery and the rampant humour of stumbling buffoons, and the mumbling performances of Depp and Del Toro wholeheartedly embrace the tripped-out, paranoid lunacy of Thompson's celebrated book. But over two hours of this insanity tends to grate on the nerves--like being the only sober guest at a party full of drunken idiots. So while Gilliam's film may achieve some modest cult status over the years, it's only because Fear and Loathing is best enjoyed by those who are just as stoned as the characters in the movie. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0

• Just like the book
  Before you watch this movie (and then dismiss it, as others have done, as incomprehensible and bizarre) you MUST either read or listen to the book or audio book.
  Having done both, I can happily report that Terry Gilliam has done a first class job (with Hunter S Thompson's blessing) of creating this overlooked masterpiece. The lead roles of Duke (Johnny Depp) and Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro) are expertly and accurately portrayed, much as I imagined they would be when reading the book. more info

• Easy Rider on acid....
  Many people misunderstand this movie. They don't see the hidden messages, they don't appreciate the camerawork or the script, and simply see it as a couple of drug laden journalists making fools out of themselves in casinos and hotel rooms. watch it, you wont be dissapointed.
  

• less fear more laoathing
  This was utter crap. Apart from the " did I say that out loud " bit near the begining it was totally devoid of merit. Don't watch it you will thank me .
  

• Only for people with the right kind of mind!
  This is a cult film for a reason, only a certain type of people can enjoy this film. Nothing can quite compare to reading the book but this a fantastic attempt at bringing it to life. A psychedelic self destructive journey through Las Vegas as you follow the doctor or journalism Raoul duke and his attorney Dr. Gonzo through their intense trip. If you haven't read the book yet buy that and immediately read it and then buy the film. The film is fantastic for those who understand it, those with the right kind... more info

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