Review of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) by Brett C — 12 Nov 2014

Review In A Nutshell:

It has now been firmly established that Terry Gilliam is an auteur. He creates films with a distinctive style that I simply just cannot look away from, regardless if the meat of the film itself is tasteless. Brazil has shown me a terrifying and fascinating view of humanity's future, while Time Bandits have demonstrated that Gilliam also holds on tightly his childhood sensibilities and giving audience a look of our history with an imaginative and moral perspective. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas would mark the third film I have seen from the visionary director, and here he continues on with his distinct tone and style, in replicating the mind bending and sometimes psychotic effects of the many classes of narcotics that its protagonists take.

It was difficult at first to find appreciation to the characters and the journey they are embarking on because it lacks any sense of emotional or logical drive. It wants its audience to simply sit back and relax, and watch these two individuals go through ridiculous and hilarious escapades; which I was able to, once I have given up on finding the heart of the film. I am certain that the film has something profound to state, as why Johnny Depp, Raoul Duke, would go through all of that serious narration and linking it to the counterculture of the 1960s if the film simply wants us to see it from a superficial point of view. Gilliam had placed more of his priorities in achieving the intended challenges of the novel, which was to recreate the effects of the drugs being taken and draw its audience in; rather than heavily conveying the sociological and psychological impact of the 60s drug culture.

I may have problems with Gilliam and his writers' storytelling, but I cannot help but be impressed with the psychedelic and frightening world that the director has created. Channelling this not only to the film's distinct visuals, but also to his two central cast members, providing reactions and mannerisms that are so bizarre that one cannot help but laugh. The film is viewed as a comedy, sure, but in its own way, it plays out like a psychological horror film; giving us a glimpse of bad trips, and not sugar coating the "benefits" of these drugs, also the fact that this story was autobiographically based made it all the more frightening.

Though the film would have been more effective if it displayed a stronger balance between its themes and its hallucinating visuals, but it provides enough for me to say that I actually had a great time.