7. Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas
Budget: $18,500,000 Worldwide Box Office: $10,680,275
Terry Gilliams faithful adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson journalistic classic, released in May 1998, was mauled when it hit theatres, with the majority of audiences rejecting it despite the film starring Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro in what since become lauded for its visual representation of the extremes of America. The drug fuelled world that Thompson occupied in the 70s has become legendary and is something that wouldnt necessarily lend itself to traditional cinematic conventions. The film does not follow a trend and can be very difficult viewing for a viewer unsuspecting of the confusion that Gilliam imparts. However, if you accept that the film isnt a normal viewing experience, the rich detail that the film provides will amaze. Only Gilliam would undertake a project so difficult and complex to convert to screen, with his experience of translating surreal worlds and bringing audiences to the forefront of characters on the brink of sanity typifying his career. Its a wondrously un-structured mess of a film containing the creativity, with and intellectualism that Hunter S. Thompson depicted through his novel. From a hefty budget, considering the source material, of $18,500,000, the film only took back $10,680,275. However, like many on this list, the film has developed a cult following, with those attracted to the delirium and madness that Gilliam brings.