Yar, you be here: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Criterion Collection > Customer Reviews

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Criterion Collection Customer Reviews (55 - 57 of 80 Reviews)

When you hear those words at the very beginning of the movie, you know you're in for a wild life. So my advice is that you buy the ticket and take the ride! You're just about ready then, aren't you?

Get in!

In this wickedly funny and entertaining dark film, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," Terry Gilliam captures the humor and chaos in Hunter S. Thompson's literary masterpiece. Not an easy task if you ask me. If this film were done wrong, it would've been a terrible tragedy. Fortunately, it was done right.

Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro star as Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo. When a writing assignment is given to Duke, the two go to Vegas for the ultimate trip. (Trust me, "trip" is the appropriate word.) With a trunk full of every single kind of drug you can imagine, the two are off to Vegas. But soon everything spins out of control and the writing assignment is no longer the only things on their minds.

Johnny Depp is hilarious as Raoul Duke. Why he didn't win an Academy Award for his performance is beyond me. He even lived with Hunter for a couple of months to get his character down right. Now, that is some serious research. And Del Toro is awesome as the Samoan attorney Dr. Gonzo. (You wouldn't even recognize him if it weren't for his voice.)

Terry Gilliam did an outstanding job at directing this risk-taking film. We actually feel like we're on drugs while watching. Forget D.A.R.E.! Have the kids watch this movie and they'll never want to do drugs! Gilliam does a remarkable job of capturing Thompson's genius and placing it onto film. The images we are given are dark and surreal, and are out of this world.

The DVD is not too bad as well. There's a few extras that you'll find very entertaining. Not a lot, but there are a few. Including a behind the scenes feature, the theatrical trailer, deleted scenes, and more. (Watch the trailer, it's one of the funniest ones I have ever seen. It'll give you an idea of what you're in for.) The picture and sound quality are very high quality, although I wish the movie were presented to us in Dolby Digital 5.1 instead of 2.0. Oh well.

I read the book after the seeing the movie, and it actually helped. Just picturing Depp and Del Toro enriched the story that much more. Depp with the cigarette always in his mouth as he narrates always stands out in your mind, and that's why it was that much funnier. Yes, I thought the book was a little better than the film, but let me say this, the film did a remarkable job of staying true to the book. The two are very similar.

Here's two things I would like to make clear: 1) No, you do not have to be a stoner to enjoy this movie. I have never done drugs, and seeing this movie makes me NEVER want to do drugs. Ever. But guess what? I still enjoyed the film and found it funny as hell. 2) The reason why there's not much of a plot is because this is all based on a TRUE STORY. Real life doesn't have plot, I'm sorry to say. Life can't always have a distinct and notable climax or resolution, now can it?

All in all, I really enjoyed this film, and thought it was very misunderstood by a lot of people. Yes, this is one of those films you're either going to love it or hate it. There are no guarantees that you will like it, but then again, isn't that always the case? I say take the ride. Take the chance. Dare to be different. If you want something that doesn't fall into the category of "ordinary," then this is the film for you. Extremely hilarious and terribly freaky at times, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is a different kind of film experience you do not want to miss.

I also recommend reading the book as well. It is quite the experience...

A slightly misguided cartoon of Hunter S. Thompsons world
I've listened to Hunter Thompsons complaints about the film and I have to say I agree with him about how the style and the tone of the film detract from the characters humanity.
The whole film it feels like you're watching some insane carnival ride which on one level is appealing yet is also dangerous as the film descends to the level of farce, and you feel no real emotion for Thompson or Oscar.
Another danger of course is the drug use is trivialized, Hunter s. Thompson says 'hey drugs worked for me', yet having seen several of his interviews and documentaries its painfully obvious thats drugs HAVEN'T fully worked for Mr. Thompson.
He has a cruel streak a mile wide, he is often paranoid, his motors too big for his boat so to speak. I'm not condemning Hunter S. Thompson, perhaps he's aware of what drugs cost him and thinks on balance that it was worth the price. I'm not sure. There is always a price though and that point doesnt come across in the film.
Though its hard to argue he abused the enhanced consciousness drugs gave him, perhaps the ugliest part of a drugged up Thompson and Oscar was the way they often sensed peoples weaknesses and preyed on them like vultures. Total abuse of consciousness.

That part of my review may sound overly critical of the film and Thompson but it had to be said. As far as the film goes, the cinematography and visuals are absolutely stunning, the acting of Depp and Del Toro and the supporting cast with a few exceptions are first rate. The film is extremely entertaining of that there is no doubt. The dialogue creates a sense of the surreal, however unfortunately no depth of feeling shines through the surreal. What you see is what you get and thats ok, but of course its a little disappointing that the film got so close to something enlightening and just stopped right there at the brink.

Overall I'm entertained by the film, its always good fun to see someone flip the bird to the establishment and get away with it. Luckily I'm bright enough not to try and retread Thompsons path, those times and that path is long overgrown.

Great Extra Features!
This version of the DVD is worth it simply for the extra features on the disc. The movie disc itself includes THREE separate commentary tracks, one with director Terry Gilliam, one with the producer and principle actors, and another with Hunter S. Thompson himself. These commentaries give great insight into the story and the movie.

The extra features disc is chock-full of interesting materials and photos.