In typical fashion, certain brilliantly conceived films are machine-gunned by many critics only to have them emerge as cult classics over time. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas has certainly achieved cult status in record time.
This wild, wacky, drug induced ride along the phantasmagoric highway known as America's Cultural Revolution was Hunter S. Thompson's most famous contribution to our modern day literary annals trying to encapsulate the absurdity of our society at that time.
Kudos to director Terry Gilliam for tackling a difficult book and keeping the spirit of gonzo journalism alive. It took nearly 30 years for Thompson's ravaging prose to leap off the page and onto the screen, and at times it's difficult to absorb. However, the performances of Johnny Depp and Benecio Del Toro force the viewer to pay attention throughout.
I can appreciate how hordes of viewers and critics had problems with this film during its theatrical release. It was severely misunderstood by many folks who were not even aware of life in the 60's and 70's or Thompson's acerbic wit. It's disjointed, insane, But, now with the advent of home video and especially special features packed DVDs, viewers can have a second chance along with some fabulous background material to refocus on this cultural masterpiece. Criterion has just released a new 2-disk special edition of this film which speaks volumes about how highly they regard this production and its ultimate place in cinema.
2 out of 4 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Tell Your Friends