Directed by Mike Figgis and based on a semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by John O'Brien, Leaving Las Vegas tells the story of Ben Sanderson (Nicolas Cage), an alcoholic screenwriter who goes to Las Vegas to literally drink himself to death. Cage ventures into the darkest corners of his soul to bring this performance to life, hes a tragic man, absorbed in self-pity, but he never gets inane or tiresome because of the raw humanity that the actor brings to the role. Cage makes you care for Ben, to support him and beg for him to overcome his crippling demons. He doesnt, and its a sucker-punch of an ending even though you know its inevitable. Dark and giddy at the same time, Leaving Las Vegas takes you into dreamy, intoxicated places no movie about an alcoholic had gone before. The film pulls no punches, takes no prisoners and flies in the face of feel-good pictures.
Jesse Gumbarge is editor and chief blogger at JarvisCity.com - He loves old-school horror films and starting pointless debates. You can reach out at: JesseGumbarge@JarvisCity.com
