Gilliam does a damn fine job of capturing insanity on film, be it a disturbed mental state of mind to a hallucinogenic drug and alcohol-fueled binge of no remorse. This movie consists mostly of the latter. Based on the book by Hunter S. Thompson, you would really think it would be one of those books that is totally untranslatable to film. But Gilliam somehow pulls it off to make one of the strangest, funniest movies out there. Being amazingly true to the book, this movie looks at the social and political environment in 1971. Kind of. Thompson, under the name Raoul Duke (played to the fuckin' tee by Johnny Depp), is a journalist assigned to cover a big motorcross-type race in Las Vegas. His attorney joins him, a deranged Dr. Gonzo (again, amazing performance by Benecio Del Toro). But we can see right away there will be little in terms of journalistic endeavors involved as it becomes a surreal take on all types of life, usually through the haze of multiple drugs taken at some point in time throughout the movie. It can be pretty brutal, but it's all part of the ride.
I'm biased here, as I've read the book and love the humor and commentary that Thompson has to offer. If you haven't read anything by him, it's highly recommended, even if it isn't Fear and Loathing. He's a tremendous writer, and will definitely have you simultaneously laughing your ass off and agreeing on points well made. For this material to be depicted in such a matter is truly amazing. Look for a shitload of great cameos in the film, including Gary Busey, Flea, Harry Dean Stanton, and Tobey "Spider-Man" Maguire as the hitchhiker.
