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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) – A Review 

Director ~ Terry Gilliam

Producers ~ Patrick Cassavetti, Laila Nabulsi, Stephen Nemeth

Writers ~ Terry Gilliam, Tony Grisoni, Alex Cox, Tod Davies

Starring ~ Johnny Depp, Benicio del Toro

This film is a drug-induced, psychedelic experience with Johnny Depp perfectly cast in the lead role as manic sports journalist Raoul Duke. Panned for its lack of structure and development, it has gathered a considerable following of people who love its creative visual style and captivating madness. It is a surreal rollercoaster of a film perfectly suited to Terry Gilliam’s detail rich directing style. The two protagonists’ hallucinations manifest themselves in grotesque and occasionally repulsive scenes that leave the viewer confounded at times. However there is something so intoxicating about this film, in all its bizarreness.

It follows Raoul and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro) as they travel back and forth from Vegas to cover various assignments and get as high as possible on whatever drug they get their hands on. Whilst many people have labeled it a pointless film that glorifies excessive drug use, I tend to disagree with that. I believe that the two men exemplify the notion of the ‘American Dream’, with their over-indulgent natures and constant search for the ‘high life’. As they travel around seemingly pointlessly, looking for the ultimate escape they represent a flawed society that excessively consumes to try and fulfill a meaningless existence.  The film isn’t trying to celebrate Raoul and Dr. Gonzo's behaviour but actually use them as a comment on the American public.

Whether or not you see this aspect of the film, it is still fascinating to watch for cinematography and to listen to its awesome soundtrack with music from Jefferson Airplane and The Yardbirds (two of my personal favourite bands), amongst other great songs. It isn’t necessarily one of my favourite films but it is definitely one that has stayed with me longest. It makes you think, and above everything, is unique in its strangeness. Worth a watch for anyone who thinks they can handle the ride.

Favourite Quotes ~

Raoul Duke: Quick, like a bunny. 

Raoul Duke: There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.

Raoul Duke: A drug person can learn to cope with things like seeing their dead grandmother crawling up their leg with a knife in her teeth. But no one should be asked to handle this trip. 

Dr. Gonzo: It's okay. He's just admiring the shape of your skull. 

Raoul Duke: There's a uh, big machine in the sky, some kind of, I dunno, electric snake, coming straight at us. 
Dr. Gonzo: Shoot it. 
Raoul Duke: Not yet, I want to study its habits.

Raoul Duke: Last name? I'd rather not say. My brother's in politics. 

Raoul Duke: Jesus, bad waves of paranoia, madness, fear and loathing - intolerable vibrations in this place. Get out. The weasels were closing in. I could smell the ugly brutes.