Review of Leaving Las Vegas (1995) by Timothy G — 09 Jan 2014

The chemistry in "Leaving Las Vegas" is flawless; Figgis, Cage, and Shue find the right formula for romantic perfection and touching drama. Every scene Cage and Shue share the screen together is believable and intrusive.

The film flies by, indulging in melancholy and and highly Sting-based soundtrack, and the visuals never leave Las Vegas, in color or in spirit. There is some spectacular action on exhibition here, most obviously for Cage, who plays his role perfectly and with the ability to mesmerize; he has all of the same characteristics that make films like "National Treasure" and "The Wickerman" his, with Figgis allowing him to dig deep into his character, absorbing us with his obvious absorption into the role.

Shue is also amazing in a performance just as Oscar-worthy as Cage was; she manages to get us to believe that she, after going through so much pain and stress in the life of a back-alley prostitute, can fall in love with one of her highest-paying clients, a sorely suicidal alcoholic who just wants to talk to her.

Other films would make slapstick comedy of this; "Leaving Las Vegas" simply lets it happen- the commentary comes naturally and nothing is forced. Tragic and uplifting, aggressive and peaceful, "Leaving Las Vegas" is a tour-de-force, a magnum opus, and one of the best films of the 90s.