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When a failed Hollywood screenwriter goes to Las Vegas intent
on drinking himself to death, the last thing he expects to do
is fall in love - especially not with a prostitute he picks up
on the strip.
But Mike Figgis' Leaving Las Vegas is no Pretty Woman.
A powerful and bleak film, it is a study of both acceptance and
despair. The film recounts the short time the couple spend together
and the relationship the relationship that develops in an incisive
and affecting way, eliciting compassion for both the drunk who
stumbles home from a breakfast shopping trip covered in blood
and the prostitute who buys him a hip flask.
As the alcoholic Ben exorcising his demons for the last time,
Nicolas Cage is awesomely heartbreaking as he roves the bars and
gambling halls like a bewildered animal. Meanwhile Elisabeth Shue,
his 'guardian angel', is a revelation in her first leading role.
While Figgis' overwrought and mawkish score occasionally drowns
out his beautiful photography, at other times it so strongly evokes
neon-crazy Vegas - the ultimate American dream turned sour - you
can almost taste the dusty and soulless air of this insomniac
city.
Reviewed by Monika Maurer
Reader comments about Leaving Las Vegas
Derek Baldwin (DJBNJB@aol.com) writes:
This sort of story has been done dozens of times before and the film had nothing interesting to say. Nic Cage was fine, he nearly always is, but the film is at best mediocre.
Emily Rose Castle (angelvest@lycos.co.uk) writes:
Leaving Las Vegas.....AMAZING! it brings me to tears every time. Nicolas cage is unbeatable, not to mention the sexiest man to walk the planet EVER :p
Scott P. [P is for Proactive] (Email address withheld) writes:
That was so depressing. They say that Philadelphia is bad, but this? This is just so downbeat that it's scary. Their all good, Elizabeth Shue in particular stands out, but...
Mike Figgis should really go get Peter Kay in, because im telling you, films should make you want to recommend the feature to friends, not hang yourself. Boy oh boy oh boy. Not cleenex as such though, personally I mean, but still. Jeepers.
simon spencer (jsexysurfer@aol.com) writes:
1 of the best films ive ever seen.powerful and black.the best film nicolas cage has made in my eyes.the voice of sting is excellent.ull have 2 go a long ong way 2 beat this film.
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