Saturday 11th September 2004:
DVD: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Criterion Collection
Commentary: Hunter S. Thompson & Laila Nabulsi
First line: “Hiya folks. My name is Thompson. I’m the author of the book… the notorious… book, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.”
Now, I am a huge fan of Thompson’s work and him in general, but this is one commentary I found it very hard to get into. Sure he’s a great political commentator in his books, and has the mind of a teenage girl, but he simply doesn’t talk clearly or loud enough for us to understand. In between obscure screaming fits (first one occurring only 5 minutes and 32 seconds in) and making strange noises, Hunter drones on, occasionally telling long-winded stories but mostly answering questions from the producer, who thankfully for us keeps the whole thing going. It’s not all bad news though, turn the volume up and in parts is actually quite funny although sadly not as funny as those involved seem to find it. At one point a phone call completely interrupts any hope of a serious commentary whilst Thompson shouts obscene and threatening comments to whoever is on the other end.
Also present is Thompson’s wife and assistant Anita, who although introducing herself near the start retires to the background soon after leaving us only to occasionally hear her laughing whenever Hunter reaches the conclusion of his impromptu sermons. There is a lot of interesting information here though for those with the stamina and hearing to put up with it. We hear what Thompson really thinks of Johnny Depp’s performance, how much of the film actually mirrored the reality on which it was based and how it came to get made in the first place, which will make interesting listening to any avid fan.
The highlight is Thompson attempting to describe exactly why today’s generation of young adults should read the Book of Revelations. It makes a lot of sense folks, honest.
This commentary is good for fans of Hunter S. Thompson and perhaps even fans of Laila Nabulsi if there are any of them out there, as well as obsessive who can’t get enough of this film and everyone involved with it. It’s not so good for those with a passing interest or anyone who wants a good commentary on what you can see actually happening in the film throughout – very rarely to they actually refer to what is on screen.
Quotes:
“The Jews don’t believe in Jesus, so why should I?”
“It’s like a hound dog passing a peach pip.”
DVD: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Criterion Collection
Commentary: Hunter S. Thompson & Laila Nabulsi
First line: “Hiya folks. My name is Thompson. I’m the author of the book… the notorious… book, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.”
Now, I am a huge fan of Thompson’s work and him in general, but this is one commentary I found it very hard to get into. Sure he’s a great political commentator in his books, and has the mind of a teenage girl, but he simply doesn’t talk clearly or loud enough for us to understand. In between obscure screaming fits (first one occurring only 5 minutes and 32 seconds in) and making strange noises, Hunter drones on, occasionally telling long-winded stories but mostly answering questions from the producer, who thankfully for us keeps the whole thing going. It’s not all bad news though, turn the volume up and in parts is actually quite funny although sadly not as funny as those involved seem to find it. At one point a phone call completely interrupts any hope of a serious commentary whilst Thompson shouts obscene and threatening comments to whoever is on the other end.
Also present is Thompson’s wife and assistant Anita, who although introducing herself near the start retires to the background soon after leaving us only to occasionally hear her laughing whenever Hunter reaches the conclusion of his impromptu sermons. There is a lot of interesting information here though for those with the stamina and hearing to put up with it. We hear what Thompson really thinks of Johnny Depp’s performance, how much of the film actually mirrored the reality on which it was based and how it came to get made in the first place, which will make interesting listening to any avid fan.
The highlight is Thompson attempting to describe exactly why today’s generation of young adults should read the Book of Revelations. It makes a lot of sense folks, honest.
This commentary is good for fans of Hunter S. Thompson and perhaps even fans of Laila Nabulsi if there are any of them out there, as well as obsessive who can’t get enough of this film and everyone involved with it. It’s not so good for those with a passing interest or anyone who wants a good commentary on what you can see actually happening in the film throughout – very rarely to they actually refer to what is on screen.
Quotes:
“The Jews don’t believe in Jesus, so why should I?”
“It’s like a hound dog passing a peach pip.”
I give this commentary a substantial 8 stars:
