Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas1

I must admit, when I first saw the movie at the late, lamented Worldwide center (second run movie house) in Manhattan, I thought it was noisy and unfocused, and a lesser effort by a brilliant director. I bought the DVD anyway, mainly because any Terry Gilliam movie is worth having, and Criterion versions doubly so. Well, my opinion of the movie has done almost a complete 180 degree turn. Perhaps the movie, coming out during the …

…and Loathing", including some footage of the real Dr. Gonzo, Chicano attorney Oscar Ceasar Acosta (who's been missing since the mid-70's) reading from one of the books he authored. In short, the disc succeeds as both a film, and as a study of a much misunderstood era in recent history. I'm not sure yet, but it may just be the best DVD purchase I have ever made. Thanks, Hunter Thompson, Terry Gilliam, and Criterion.