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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Criterion Collection Customer Reviews (13 - 15 of 80 Reviews)

The Appropriate Emotional Response To Las Vegas
Certainly "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas" in one of the best book titles ever. How else would one respond to such wretched excess? They say, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas". My response is, thank God! Let's keep it that way! Hunter Thompson, lately canonized in death and very much admired by Johnny Depp, was always entertaining and often extremely funny. Recent attempts to pass him off as an imporant author rather than a psychotic, self-destructive pop-culture drug-addled icon, probably say more about the deplorable state of contemporary writing than anything else. His books, more rants than literature, are staggeringly narcissistic and yet, fail to provide much insight into his real character - such as it is. Still, they're impossible to put down. Gilliam is arguably the most daring and visionary director alive, and Depp is easily one of our best actors. The alignment of this talent pool seemed volatile at the very least, if not a recipe for disaster. Then - a syzygy - strange alchemy occurred - powerful voodoo. The result is one of the most truly unique and fabulous movies you might ever hope to see, wildly original and other-worldly. Depp becomes Thompson, an achievement so incredible even Thompson probably doesn't know what it means. Benicio Del Toro, who I first encountered here and have come to admire greatly, is note perfect. Don't make the mistake of thinking this is a '60s film about drug excess; drugs are the vehicle, not the destination. FALILV looks in awe at bats and giant lizards lurking behind neon, chrome, sequins, feathers, and smooth marble; the cheap glitz and flashy glamour of the American dream, passing itself off as substance in the midst of a desert. For all his (countless) faults, if Hunter Thompson had never existed, it would have been necessary to invent him. The same may be said for this film. A masterpiece, and an American classic. Congratulations once again to Criterion, another excellent re-issue.

You either love it or hate it
This is my favourite movie (well tied with Holy Grail). But I know from my friend's experiences you either love it or hate it. Most of them loved it, for a couple they just don't see the point. I find it funny. I love the character Depp did, but some pople don't. If you like quirky things, I would suggest it. Otherwise, maybe something else would be better. On my todo list is to read the book next


Odd... I like it!
I don't know, I guess i just like these kinds of films. It estabilishes a good sense of discomfort that takes you into the duo's paranoia and chaotic world that you almost feel like you're getting piss drunk and riding their high along with them.

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