Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

User Review

• 

  BarneyNuttall

  8 / 10

  In this Terry Gilliam cult classic, we follow journalist Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and his attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) as they travel to Las Vegas from L.A. on more than enough drugs to kill several horses.
  
  And there isn't much more to it than that, when it comes to the plot that is. As with most cult classics, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is very polarising, with some hating it for al the reasons others love it and vice versa. It's undeniably visually striking with most likely the most faithful adaptation of the psychedelic experience on screen. More so, the story is also trippy, taking Duke down strange narrative avenues, meeting characters which seem to serve no purpose. The supporting cast of people who turn up in this film is not limited to Christina Ricci, Harry Dean Stanton and Gary Busey.
  
  So it walks that fine line between accuracy and enjoyment. Yes, it definitely feels like a trip. But is that necessarily enjoyable or entertaining? For some parts yes. But, for the most part, the film is a slog. There's only so much slurred dialogue you can take before you want some diction. Yet, to change the film would be sacrilege. What other way could you make this film? To detract from its wide angle lenses, it's grotesque close ups and dreamlike set design would be to strip the film of any identity. Fear and Loathing is THE cult classic; polarising, entertaining and places and bubbling with personality.

  Like?

  1 member likes this review.