#541 - Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas - WatchThis W/RickRamos

Watch This With Rick Ramos

Gonzo Hellscape: Terry Gilliam's Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas

In 1998 Director Terry Gilliam - a director whose cinematic career has been fraught with difficulty on the level of Job (see 2002s Lost in La Mancha) was finally successful in bringing to the screen Hunter S. Thompson's 1971 Classic roman á clef of excess, paranoia, idealism, and disappointment, Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream. A polariizing film upon its release in 1998, Giliam's interpretation of Thompson's 1971 vision is both awe-inspiring and troubling. There is a tremendous amount to admire in this film while at the same time there is a tremendous amount to be critical of . . . We tackle both perspectives and struggle to find some greater understanding of the late 60s, early 70s, and pain and disappointment of the 2nd decade of a new millennium. It's an interesting and volatile discussion between two friends. Take a listen and let us know what yout think about our reaction to Thompson's vision as rendered through the mind of Terry Gilliam and the equally outrageous and powerful performances of stars Johnny Depp (as Thompson) and Benicio Del Toro (as Chicano activist Oscar Zeta Acosta - the 300lb Samoan of Thompson's writing). As always we can be reached at [email protected]. Many, Many, Many Thanks.

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