Fear and Loathing in New Vegas (1998)

Based on the book by legendary journalist, Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is one of my all-time favorites. Although it is certainly a movie with flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The movie centers on Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp), a journalist, and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro). The two journey to Las Vegas to cover a motorcycle race yet as they consume more and more narcotics, Duke attempts to find the rot that resides within the American dream.

Its cinematography and video style is incredibly unique and far ahead of its time. It incorporates fantastic special effects for a movie that was released in 1998. The effects work to really make the audience feel as if they are ingesting the same variety of narcotics as the protagonist, Raoul, is consuming. This feeling was exciting and new for the first half yet as the second half rolled around it became to feel slightly nauseating and even claustrophobic at times. Though this feeling was almost purposely done to place the audience in the protagonist's shoes. The movie also features less cutting than normal in order to anchor the audience at the moment. In fact, the cinematographer, Pecorini, purposely made it so that each drug was reflected within the cinematographer and illogical lighting.

I always say that a movie's soundtrack makes the movie. This film has of the best soundtracks I've ever heard which I partially credit to the book. Most of the songs used are mentioned in vital parts of the book. Yet the music creates the perfect atmosphere for each scene. Songs such as "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane and "Mama Told Me Not To Come" by Three Dog Night are the perfect tunes for this song, as the whirling psychedelia reflects what is going on. As for the acting, both Depp and Toro play amazing performances. If you watch Thompson in interviews he acts almost exactly like how Depp portrays him, from the way he speaks to his hand and body movements. Toro is an absolute delight to watch as he really brings a sense of menace onto the screen. The viewer is never fully comfortable watching him as he prowls about. The only movie I can think of more quotable than Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is Pulp Fiction or Anchorman.

Upon the first watch, this movie appears to have no plot and a very weak chain of events, making it an extremely difficult film for some audiences. I can tell you that upon watching this movie multiple times, the plot becomes slightly clearer. The plot can put viewers off especially as it is difficult to grasp what is going on. The book is able to describe what is happening as it can simply write what is happening around Duke yet the movie is very scattered as it solely utilizes show instead of telling, the inability to tell the audience what is happening can make viewing confusing. While watching, this movie requires your full attention otherwise it can make viewers lose track of what is happening.

The underlying theme that Thompson is discussing is the status of the American dream during the late 60s and early 70s. A time of turmoil and political tension, the movie captures this heightened sense of anxiety throughout. Las Vegas itself represents the American Dream and within it shows the total corruption of morals. Before entering Vegas, Gonzo and Duke thought the dream would be remarkable, but once they enter they realize the horror inside it. Although the book makes this clear, the movie is less forward about this. Instead, the American Dream is implied under the layers of Depp's facial expressions. Prior to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, there were very few movies that hid no attempt to befriend their audience; movies that captured the horror and draw of drugs. I believe this movie was groundbreaking for its willingness to take risks in both cinematography and in storytelling. This movie, although incredibly messy, captures this theme through its psychedelic cinematography and visual storytelling which firmly cements its place as a true cult classic even if it isn't for everyone.
- GL

8 / 10


(Above) My Favourite shot:

(Below) Runner-up:


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