Review of Leaving Las Vegas (1995) by Viginti T — 01 Jul 2009

This is a gut-wrenching tale of modern degradation, it is at once a charming depiction of pure love between two social misfits and a portrait of a world where such a thing cannot be allowed to exist. There is though a definite beauty present in the way the film unfolds this story, it has a certain poetic quality inherent in every shot that is unique to this film alone. It is as much Carver as Coleridge, blending together the minimalist grit and decay of dirty realism with a grander notion of spiritual excess and sublime romance that belongs to another era entirely.

Thankfully this lyrical approach creates a subtle yet alienating distance between us and the characters because without it the films denouement would be too much to bear. Cage and Shue are incredible as the two ominously fated leads and manage to evoke from the viewer the strongest conflicting emotions, from the heights of love, joy and humour down to the deepest sadness, a sadness that leaves you feeling physically ill and defeated long after the credits have rolled. It may not be the most enjoyable feeling to have stirred inside of you by a distant outsider but it is a necessary one and quite an amazing feat.