Film of the Week #45 - Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas

Karl Hungus

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120669/

Definitely one of Terry Gilliam's standout films, and considering that goes up against such titles as Twelve Monkeys, Brazil and the Monty Python films, that's saying something. Johnny Depp's preformance as Hunter S. Thompson is pretty much one of his career defining moments. It's just a fantastic, and very unique film.

Maybe User45701 will be happy now?

Discuss.

User45701

Yes, Very happy!

I think im going for heat this week, but ill be happy if monthy pithon or dead mans shoes gets it as well.

I do love this movie though. Ive seen it several times but i find its a movie i am quite happy to rewatch and every few months i find someone who hasent seen it and watch it or just rewatch it with mates who have seen it. This is a movie i wold like to see back in cineword

BaZmO*

Haha, the reverse psychology worked!

johnny_ultimate

A decent film - especially Depp's performance. It's not really a patch on the book though. While the novel kept up the frantic pace and humour throughout (I was pretty much laughing my head off from page 1 onwards) the film struggles to keep up that energy and just seems exhausting on occasion. It's as good an adaptation as you could possibly get though of a novel that some said was 'unfilmable'. In the hands of a lesser director, I shudder to think would kind of awful adaptation we could have ended up with.

(And since this and Twelve Monkeys have already made the list, we need to get Brazil - by far Gilliam's crowning achievement - up there!)

kaimera

Class movie; so much so myself & The Don went as the chars to the Halloween Beers

The Don

kaimera wrote: »

Class movie; so much so myself & The Don went as the chars to the Halloween Beers

That we did. Excellent film and love everything about it.

"There is nothing in the world more helpless and irresponsible and depraved than a man in the depths of an ether binge, and I knew we'd get into that rotten stuff pretty soon. "

I second that we need Brazil to win aswell.

Valmont

Only saw this last week. Finished the book on wednesday and bought the DVD on thursday.

There was a lot of direct quotes which I was very happy they included. Depp was very funny but I think that Benicio del Toro stole the show as the attorney. My favourite scene in the book was the bath scene and it was just as good in the movie. Only when reading the book I had him sitting the opposite way in the bath:D

The film makes drugs seem really fun:eek:

ThOnda

The film that made me think that Depp is good actor.
I love that movie. I have never had opportunity to read the book, but if it's better than movie, I have to be missing a lot.
I have soundtrack in my car and I can tell you, being parked on M50 and listening that the rotten attorney of mine, Dr. Gonzo, must have sensed trouble is just great :-)
Thank you for such wonderful poll, I'll be keeping my eye on this forum a little more!

And yes, Brazil is also very good movie!

The Bollox

ThOnda wrote: »

The film that made me think that Depp is good actor.

+1

I first saw this film last year and have read the book recently. I think it's the only occation where seeing the film first does not ruin the book, mostly because it is almost a direct transfer. Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro were fantastic in their roles and really make you believe they have taken the drugs. a definite must see for anyone who has of yet not watched it, or indeed read it (the book is only €5 in HMV iirc)

projectmayhem

definitely one of the career-defining moments for all involved, especially depp. one of the best "drug movies" ever made. brilliant script (though it is very close to the book anyway), direction and acting all around. also has the best drinking game associated with it. take a gulp everytime they mention a drug. you'll be locked in 5 minutes

ThOnda

Name of the book is the same as the movie?

johnny_ultimate

ThOnda wrote: »

Name of the book is the same as the movie?

Yup, by gonzo journalism genius Hunter S Thompson

ThOnda

projectmayhem wrote: »

... take a gulp everytime they mention a drug...

Just wait for a scene when he opens trunk of their car :-)

Thank you for recommendation, I am going to do some shopping very very soon!

The Bollox

projectmayhem wrote: »

take a gulp everytime they mention a drug. you'll be locked in 5 minutes

I thought it was every time they did a drug (even that got me through 3 cans) I'll have to try the other way, but tbh I think Roxanne is the best drinking game to get you f*cked, closely followed by ring of fire