Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) (Criterion Collection)

Cultural icon or tibute to delinquency?

By Lee  Aug 21, 2003 | 7 out of 8 found this Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) review helpful

This movie is certainly not for everyone, as some simply cannot bring themselves to cope with a movie largely involving drugs. It is for mature audiences, but it is about far more than simply embarking on a mindless drug binge. Writer/journalist Rao...ul Duke (masterfully and charismatically portrayed by Johnny Depp) and his quirky attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) take to the desert to capture a story on a large motocross dirt bike race, but soon become lost in their huge stash of psychoactive drugs. They blaze a trail through Las Vegas and its surrounding areas, leaving in their wake scared and confused people, destroyed rental cars, and trashed hotel rooms.Inserted into the madness, however, are reminiscent memories of the past, written by Hunter S. Thompson and narrated by Johnny Depp that lend infinite depth and character to the movie and its cause, which is all based on experiences of the author of the original novel (Thompson).Its humor is sometimes obscure, and its underlying messages even more so, but every time I watch this masterpiece of American counterculture I see, hear or understand something new in it. If one intends to buy this movie, the criterion edition is certainly worth the little bit of extra cash it calls for; countless secrets, facts, and inside jokes are revealed that will make the movie mean so much more. Read more Less