Skip to content

FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS

Written By:

Andrew Dex
FEAR

FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS / CERT: 18 / DIRECTOR & SCREENPLAY: TERRY GILLIAM / STARRING: JOHNNY DEPP, BENICIO DEL TORO, TERRY GILLIAM / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

“Too weird to live, too rare to die.”

From the unmistakeable writing of Hunter S. Thompson comes the movie interpretation of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Opening up with journalist Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) racing down a desert highway in a red convertible on their way to the casino capital of the US, this is a fluorescent and drug-stacked drop into the American nightmare.

As our chain smoking lead Raoul Duke narrates our visit and Dr. Gonzo threateningly but superbly stumbles through Vegas life, we see the duo absurdly attempt to cover press events. However, in their sweaty and almost unconscious state, this somewhat simple task becomes mission impossible. Director / writer Terry Gilliam gives us dizzying / sickening camera angles and clever special effects. The tacky jungle-like pattern coming out of the hotel carpet and the delusional reptile party are now well known, not forgetting the occasional turning corridor which could belong in a Monty Python version of Inception.

Holding paranoid, wacky movements the drunken (to say the least) pair that you don’t want to bump into react with their surroundings and, as messy as it gets and as close as they constantly come to killing each other, you just can’t help but watch to see how they can possibly get through the run time. Although it didn’t initially go down too well with critics and the box office, it has now taken on a life of its own and has even inspired people to follow Raoul Duke into journalism (confirmed by Laila Nabulsi in the special features). Cementing the gaps is a long list of well-used cameos from Cameron Diaz, Gary Busey, Vegas regular Penn and even Hunter S. Thompson himself. Visionary Terry Gilliam pushed as much as he could into this psychedelic ride and, as the film ends with tape recorder memories, you can’t help but accept the fact that it’s going to be a massive feat for anyone to top this delirious take on the book.

Considering the notion that Fear and Loathing is a very visual circus, then 2012 documentary “For No Good Reason” is a solid accompaniment. We get to see Johnny Depp visit the home of artist Ralph Steadman (who, for those that don’t know, spent a lifetime artistically bolstering the writings of Hunter S. Thompson). On top of boasting Ralph’s own explosive material and historical influences, it uncovers the complex mind of Hunter and how the juxtaposition of their two personalities was actually what they needed to make their work thrive.

Also included is a commentary from Terry Gilliam, backed with a bunch of extended interviews. Particular triumphs would be producer Laila Nabulsi who talks about the timeless impression of the film, and a discussion with Benicio Del Toro that interestingly points out how the silent working class people were Hunter’s reflection of the current political climate. If you’re still looking for more, there’s also a star-packed documentary “Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride,” narrated by Nick Nolte.

This is a well-rounded limited edition for any fan or newcomer to the film.

Andrew Dex

You May Also Like...

chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More
colin farrell returns as oswald cobblepot in the penguin series trailer

Colin Farrell Returns In THE PENGUIN Trailer

Colin Farrell returns as Gotham City’s answer to Tony Soprano in the first trailer for Max series The Penguin, which spins out of the world of the 2022 DC film
Read More