'Fear and Loathing' takes wild drug trip

Neither the wildest dream imaginable nor the most drug-crazed binge in the world can compare to the journey "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" has in store. The film stars Johnny Depp as Raoul Duke (a character based on the author) and Benicio Del Toro as his lawyer in this film adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's 1971 book about the search for the American Dream. And what better place to search for the American Dream than in Las Vegas?

Courtesy of Universal City Studios 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,' starring Johnny Depp (above) and Benicio Del Toro, carries everything a good drug film needs - and the soundtrack isn't bad, either.

The journey begins on the road to Vegas. Duke, a well-known political journalist, is on his way to cover an event. He is accompanied by his lawyer. Director Terry Gilliam envisions a grand-scale drug frenzy with political overtones, in bringing Thompson's classic tale to the silver screen. Depp and Toro wonderfully play their parts, and the effects and camera work are amazing, though a bit reminiscent of "Natural Born Killers."

"Fear and Loathing" draws the audience in from the start and doesn't let them go until the very end.

Not that everyone will love the film. Conservative folks will probably leave before the end. (About 10 people left early when I saw the film, all scowling as they hurried out).

REVIEW
	Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas 4 stars At Briarwood and Showcase

When viewing a drug film, certain criteria must be met for the movie to be great. First, acid trips must be seen through the eyes of the trippee, a perspective that "Fear and Loathing" provides. From melting faces to lounging lizards, the viewer feels almost as if he or she is taking drugs with the characters.

Great music is another necessity in drug movies. From "One Toke Over the Line," a song actually mentioned in the book, to "White Rabbit," and Dylan's "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again," the music plays a close second to the "Titanic" soundtrack.

Rule no. 3 of a great drug movie is that it should be well-rounded, but focused on drugs and drug use. ÒFear and LoathingÓ passes with flying colors -- red, white and blue, that is. Gilliam overloads us with psychedelic images in these colors.

One never feels that the excessiveness is without purpose, and the political backdrop is always in plain view. From the floating Nixon heads to the carrying of the American flag, the political idioms of the time are incorporated well.

One notable event in the film is a cameo appearance by Thompson. It is easy to miss, so pay close attention early in the movie.

"Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is an entertaining experience. Just keep an open mind, sit back and enjoy the ride. What a ride it is.

05-26-98