Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp), the fictitious alter ego of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, and his attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) are taking a road trip to Las Vegas. Duke is supposed to cover The Mint 400, an off-road motorcycle race.
Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp), the fictitious alter ego of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, and his attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) are taking a road trip to Las Vegas. Duke is supposed to cover The Mint 400, an off-road motorcycle race.
Of course they packed for the trip, weed, cocaine, acid, mescaline, uppers, downers, screamers, laughers, tequila, rum, beer, ether, and amyls. The two are approaching Vegas when the drugs kick in. They pick up a hitchhiker (Toby Maguire) and proceed to question and terrify him.
Duke decides it would be in their best interests if they got to Vegas as soon as possible. Upon arrival they continue consuming vast quantities of drugs. In addition Duke and Gonzo trash their hotel room and run up a huge room service bill. Duke covers the race and Gonzo returns to L.A.
Having worn-out his welcome at The Mint, Duke relocates to The Flamingo. Gonzo returns and brings Lucy (Christina Ricci), a young artist, along for the ride. After ridding themselves of the Lucy problem, the two go to a District Attorneys Convention, so Duke can cover that. Of course they are still on a constant high.
This movie is based on the book of the same name writen by Hunter S. Thompson. Supposedly the book is about the death of the American Dream. That aspect did not come across clearly in the movie, but it is still entertaining none the less.
Depp was wonderful as Duke and Del Toro was equally enjoyable. Both did well to convince you they really were stoned out of their minds. There were a lot of well done cameos, cheif among them were Gary Busey, Cameron Diaz, and Ellen Barkin.
The problems arise from a lack of a purpose or point at certian times. Questions come up about what the hell they're doing and why. At times Fear and Loathing seems like nothing more than two tripped out wackos making complete asses of themselves. Although it is for the most part humorous. Additionally Duke's ubiquitous cigarette and filter makes some of his dialogue unintelligible.
Even though the two main characters are constantly on drugs, anyone who thinks this is a pro-drug movie after seeing it is insane or on drugs themselves. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a disturbing and entertaining movie that should not be missed.
Photo from Universal