Review of Leaving Las Vegas (1995) by Jason J — 04 Jun 2011

Nicolas Cage has never showed his abilities more clearly than in this movie, he is astonishing at depicting a man who has lost everything dear to him so he decides to take the only thing he still owns-his life! The movie is an intense ride of heavy drinking mixed with more heavy drinking.

It is shocking and sometimes hard to watch. Because of Cage's portrayal of this man, you literally see what happens when things get out of control. He is equally counterbalanced with Elisabeth Shue who also has plenty of screen time to convince you she's one hell of a loving prostitute (both privately and business wise).

The emotions between them seem incredibly natural and real, which makes the movie so much sadder. Actually, if it weren't for the bad and awkward performance by Julian Sands, I would not have a single thing to complain about this movie.

I loved everything else about "Leaving Las Vegas" - besides the acting I especially have to mention the late starting opening credits, which simply because they were so unusual, made the movie a new experience to watch.

Great script, directing, acting, music, story and theme. Can't believe it's taken me so long to watch it.