Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is something that could have only been pulled off by Johnny Depp and Terry Gilliam.
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There are movies out there that are great films, but when you try to describe the movie to somebody or suggest why it is great – words are hard to come by. One such film is Terry Gilliam´s brilliant and highly entertaining adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson´s book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Starring Johnny Depp as Raoul Duke (aka Hunter S. Thompson) and Benicio Del Toro as his sidekick Dr. Gonzo, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" nicely handles the difficult example of gonzo journalist that was the basis for Thompson´s book about drug use and the covering of a motorcycle race in Las Vegas Nevada during the early 1970s. Depp is as wonderful as ever and director Terry Gilliam, who is known for handling unusual stories, delivers one of the more unique and peculiar films to ever be captured by the camera.
To give a very high level overview of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" would sound something like this: Hunter S. Thompson is sent on an assignment to cover the Mint 400 motorcycle race. He checks in to a hotel under the false name of Raoul Duke, as he and his partner have no intention of paying either the bill or the lofty room service they plan to rack up. They pack light when it comes to clothing, but are accompanied by a rather large suitcase of legal and illegal drugs. You name it, it is probably in there. Anything from cocaine to ether is brought along for their own personal usage and they even remember to take a case of beer. The adventures taken by Duke and Gonzo are often hard to describe, as they are so drug-fueled in their reality, that it must be seen to understand. The drive to Las Vegas finds them under assault by bats. There are blood sucking lizards in a bar and Duke wakes up to find the motel room submerged and a tape recorder tied around him with tape.
The story is odd. Yet so unique and entertaining in its own way that "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is something that could have only been pulled off by Johnny Depp and Terry Gilliam. Depp is a true chameleon and it is hard to imagine another actor stepping into the shoes of Hunter S. Thompson (who makes a cameo in the film in one of the more memorable cameo scenes I can ever remember). Benicio Del Toro gained forty pounds for his role and he too delivers a top-notch acting performance. Only the Monty Python trained mind of Terry Gilliam could have gotten a handle on the film´s subject matter and it shows. A "Who´s Who in Hollywood" list of actors show up for cameos as well. Tobey Maguire, Ellen Barkin, Gary Busey, Christina Ricci, Mark Harmon, Cameron Diaz, Penn Jilette, Flea, Harry Dean Stanton, Tim Thomerson, Verne Troyer and Lyle Lovett are some of the familiar faces seen during the two hour running time of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."
How does the film stack up to the book? I´ve never had an opportunity to read Hunter S. Thompson´s work. It I something I would like to do someday, as I have read snippets of his gonzo journalist. He had an interesting way with words and his drug fueled tirades are something else. I do have a good friend who is a strong fan of the late writer´s work and he loves this film and places it among his all-time favorites. I have heard that many people passed over the story because of its complexity, but that didn´t stop Terry Gilliam. My friend, Jeremy, states it pays homage to "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and captures the spirit of the author´s work. For now, I will have to accept the hearsay I have on the subject of the film´s honesty to the written material, but certainly after watching the movie I must make a concerted effort to read the entire book.
This unique, unusual, character driven, drug induced story may be hard to describe and I admit to not having an easy way to tell you what is so great about it. Johnny Depp serves as the film´s primary star and narrator. He has a great handle on the material and assaults Hunter S. Thompson´s famous party binges with fervor and class. This dialogue heavy film truly shines under Depp´s acting chops. The monologue about the drugs in the trunk is pure gold. Depp´s comments about giving the alcohol to the lizards and his discussion on how to handle a traffic cop are truly memorable moments. Did you know you should never slow down and pull over for a cop? Watch the film and you can find out what to truly do. Depp is robbed of his usual good looks and long hair and portrays a middle-aged balding man who is never seen without a cigarette in his mouth and proves once again that no matter the role, he can fit into the character´s skin. I enjoy "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." It is unique and different from the typical movie. The film is full of laughs and the main actors are just magnificent. I wish I could describe the film better, but take my word and give it a good look.
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