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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Criterion Collection Customer Reviews (79 - 80 of 80 Reviews)

Why Did They Hire Gilliam?
First off let me say that if you haven't seen this movie at least once don't buy it.You should rent it first.If you don't like it the first time you see it watch it again it will make a lot more sence.

Second I think that you should also read the book.It has so much more and a better storyline than the movie.The only reason that the movie did so bad in theatres is because Universal didn't have anything to label this movie as.Which is very bad for promotional purposes.I also think that it was a mistake hiring Gilliam because his perspective on making the movie was to change things and add midgets.

So I think that you should buy this and the book too.

Sure...
When I was a college freshman, this book came out in Rolling Stone to which I subscribed at the time. It was hysterical, so much that I bought the book which I've read a couple of times since then, along with other Thompson volumes. Just the inventory of drugs the characters had while in their trip through Vegas was mind-boggling--literally. That they topped it all off with a six pack of Ballentine Ale led old friends and me to get a few sixers of that when we went, say, to a drive in theatre on a Friday night when there was nothing else to do.

By the by, can one still get Ballentine Ale?

Anyway, while the book was hysterical, the beginning of what came to be called gonzo journalism, I didn't take it too seriously. First, it was an era, those many years ago, when those of us young in the era had a sort of "I did more dope than you did," better-than-the-Joneses manifestation. And that was a key component of the book.

The film was even more that way, I thought. True, Depp and Del Toro's performances were stellar given the nature of the characters. But I get the impression, especially after listening the the interviews and promos that are part of the DVD, that they were as busy taking Rauol Duke, aka Hunter Thompson, more seriously than even he intended.

I personally have little use for Las Vegas, one of the last places on the planet I have any use to visit. So anything to spoof it is to me worthwhile. And there were scenes I found very funny. The story popped all over the place--and I was warned of by at least two people before I even saw it. Indeed, one of them told me when he watched it a second time it was like a new story because of the things he missed the first time around.

But, to be honest, I don't know I want to see it a second time. This from a guy who watches his favorite films over and over!

Oh, before I forget, it had a remarkable cast. In the interview, Depp commented on how many people wanted to be part of the project once it started--including Tim Thomerson!

If you do get to watch it, take the story for what it's worth. And don't expect most of your friends to want to line up to see it. Then let me know where I can get some Ballantine Ale.

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