Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas . Tucson Weekly . 06-15-98

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

DIRECTED BY: Terry Gilliam

REVIEWED: 06-15-98

Hunter S. Thompson's semi-journalistic novel of panic, drugs, and despair makes the leap to the big screen in this good-intentioned adaptation by director Terry Gilliam. Gilliam struggles to translate Thompson's stream-of-consciousness, hallucinogen-addled prose into a series of coherent scenes with some success. Special effects are nicely used to simulate acid trips, and a loopy sense of time sends Duke (Johnny Depp) and Dr. Gonzo (Benecio Del Toro) sliding along the already surreal streets and casinos of old-time Vegas. Depp is pretty annoying as the cigarette chomping Raoul Duke, and Benecio Del Toro steals the show with his dark, menacing portrayal of a drug-crazed hippie fiend. A rampant, insider's sense of nostalgia for the sixties makes the story a little hard to "get" for those of us who don't share in the longing for the Summer of Love, but Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is still an entertaining ride that serves to remind us all that it's fun to watch people on drugs.

--Richter

Other Films by Terry Gilliam
Twelve Monkeys

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Muriel's Wedding
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