Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Gilliam's flick about two junkies taking a "drug-education" trip through Las Vegas. Benicio del Toro is fantastic and Johnny Depp overacts a lot and is just goofy. It's pretty intense, there aren't many films like this. (13.01.2003)

Hard to defend or conversely damnable film. I don't know if the literary source had any deeper meaning, but I couldn't find it in the adaptation. The actors do deliver excellent performances, but the story got lost already during the first trip. (01.12.2006)

I was really looking forward to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas because it was the last work of Gilliam's filmography that I had yet to see. My resulting impression, however, was more hesitant. Just to be clear, I believe that both the director and the two lead actors thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had a great time, perhaps like never before in their long careers. But when the crew is having fun, it doesn't necessarily mean that the viewer will have fun too. This film is a long, multi-day, hallucinogenic trip of two guys who decide to take a trip to the City of Sin with a suitcase full of drugs. It is filmed from the perspective of a drug addict and in a kind of "free cool" style that I would expect more from a commercial producer who took a detour into feature films. The hallucinogenic scenes serve Gilliam as his favorite surrealist scenes, so we get to watch as the surroundings of the drug addicts are filled with characters that promptly transform into all sorts of scum. Unfortunately, the film practically gives up on the story and both characters have essentially zero personalities that don't go anywhere or develop. The term that comes to mind for this film is stereotype and the resulting boredom. I could talk about the fact that Fear and Loathing has a quite problematic moral message that says "indulge yourself as long as you want, it will all pass and you will have lots of fun, seduce a young girl and do whatever you want with her, and don't ask what tomorrow will bring." If I were a drug dealer, I would consider this film a sympathetic two-hour advertisement. But even though it doesn't evoke any outrage in me, it just tired me out. While I don't deny a few entertaining moments, which are more related to how the film is cast in episodic roles rather than the quality of any gags or the comedic qualities of the characters, overall it is unquestionably the weakest Gilliam film worth somewhere between one and two stars. Overall impression: 30%. (22.04.2012)

An original reflection of the time? An insight into the profound depths of a stoned brain? Gilliam is bristling with ideas in this peculiar road movie. Depp’s first attempt at creating Jack Sparrow, Del Toro excellent as always and Tobey Maguire in the role he was born for. No need to take any drugs, and in fact after watching this picture you won’t be wanting to take any. This has it all. And a great soundtrack. (07.02.2013)

Ein schrecklich verrücktes Irgendetwas (wahrscheinlich ein Film), was zu meiner großen Freude keine Ode an die Drogen ist. Unter einer unglaublichen Schicht von existierenden und nicht existierenden Halluzinogenen versteckt sich ein bitterer Bericht über den Zustand der US-amerikanischen Gesellschaft (ihretwegen hat Terry Gilliam das Ganze gemacht). Ich musste aber lange warten, bis ich für Angst und Schrecken in Las Vegas die richtige Laune habe. Der Film wurde nämlich so suggestiv aufgenommen, dass mir immer spätestens nach 15 Minuten der Kopf wehgetan hat. Es musste mich immer die Taste STOP retten. (22.07.2018)

What can I write about this? It's a terribly strange film (what else would we expect from Gilliam?) with weird sets, a deranged story and probably the creepiest anti-heroes in the history of cinema. Depp and Del Toro have played many controversial and peculiar characters in their careers, but none are quite as specific and crazy as Raoul Duke and Dr Gonzo, who have become unquestionable drug titans of the film industry. And it is to these two that Gilliam can thank for making his "enlightening and insightful" project at least partially watchable and at times entertaining – their performances are unforgettable, no matter how exaggerated and implausible. Otherwise, it's just a stilted quest for style that lacks a good plot and real emotions. Reluctant 3*. (05.07.2013)

Radical, wild, hopeless, unrepeatable. Nothing for yuppie wimps and generally for people who watch movies to relax. Required application at least once a year. (21.07.2019)

I can't help it, but this movie just didn't say anything to me. On one hand, all scenes look improvised, which could be appreciated for the actors, and on the other hand, it's quite hard to watch because it simply lacks a plot. A film that I have avoided for a long time and maybe I should have continued to do so. (09.12.2016)

Gilliam is a genius. I've never seen a film this crazy, bold, and truly fried in its conception. Both Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro are perfect. If you like monsters, want to grow a tail, or harbor a love for bats, go for it... 5 stars (03.06.2009)