There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. Some kind of high powered mutant never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.
In my case, you know, I hate to advocate drugs or liquor, violence, insanity to anyone. But in my case it's worked.
Today we discuss the movies dealing with Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. There are two very different movies. Where The Buffalo Roam, starring Bill Murray and Peter Boyle, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas starring Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro.
A bit about the good doctor; Wait, if you don't know about Hunter S. Thompson then you should most likely laugh at yourself for being a loser. LOSER
Where the Buffalo Roam (WBR)
The deranged adventures of Gonzo journalist Hunter Thompson and his attorney Oscar Acosta, referred to in the movie as "Lazlo". Thompson attempts to cover the Super Bowl and the 1972 Presidential election in his typical drug-crazed state, but it continually and comically sidetracked by his even more twisted friend Lazlo. Allegedly based on actual events.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (FLLV)
An adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's novel of the same name. The film details a whacky search for the "American Dream", by Thompson and his crazed, Samoan lawyer. Fueled by the massive amount of drugs they purchased with an advance from a magazine to cover a sporting event in Vegas; they set out in the Red Shark. Encountering police, reporters, gamblers, racers, and hitchhikers; they search for some indefinable thing known only as the "American Dream" and find fear, loathing and hilarious adventures into the dementia of the modern American West.
So, let’s look at these two flicks.
First off we need to talk about drugs: Both movies have them, lots of them...lots and lots of drugs and booze. But each movie has a different take. FLLV has every drug you can think of, and more. Who knew huffing ether could be so much fun! FLLV also does a good job of showing the effects that the drugs have in a "first person" style. The movie swirls and shits it way across the screen. The drugs are real and taking effect. WBR shows pot and booze in mass quantities, and shows Hunter under the effects of the drugs, but it lacks the feel that you are with him on the strange trip. Advantage: FLLV
Midget count: FLLV - 1 WBR - 3 Advantage: WBR
Story: Both movies are based off the writings of Hunter S. Thompson. WBR covers more of his life story, told in important clips that tie together. From interviewing Nixon in the bathroom to passing out joints at a college campus, they are all a detailed tapestry that joins the ends of Hunter’s life. FLLV covers one trip to Vegas in great detail. Both of the movies are very well written and the plots are well told. WBR tells a broader story where the characters will eventually have to face consequences. FLLV is an insane ride where no one takes ownership of their own insanity. Advantage: Tie.
Acting: While both Murray and Depp do a good job of Thompson (they both spent long periods of time with him to get it right) Del Toro Dr. Gonzo is far, far better. You just don't believe that Peter Boyle is the drug crazed lawyer. He doesn't pull off crazy as well. Advantage- FLLV
Finally, fun. Movies like this should be fun. They should make you believe in the ideals of hunter in the end. To want to live free and find the American dream. Only on movie makes you care advantage FLLV.
So all in all, I'd have to say FLLV is the better movie. So go watch it