Sera and Ben reunite in a sleazy hotel room and have sex just before he dies. Leaving Las Vegas was filmed in super 16 mm[5] instead of 35 mm film; while 16mm was common for art house films at the time, 35mm is most commonly used for mainstream film. Bens ready wit and humanity are what make it memorable. "Leaving Las Vegas" (1995) MGM/UA reportedly spent less than $2 million marketing the film, which included TV spots and ads in industry publications. The plot doesnt make it clear if this is due to Bens drinking, or if them leaving has led to him drinking. In his lucid moments between the mania, talking to Sera as he walks the Strip, you can tell he had the assertive charisma necessary to be a Hollywood player. Shue was known for her work on more lightweight films like The Karate Kid (1984) and Adventures in Babysitting (1987). In turn, Sera provides Ben the friendship he needs as he spirals into the clutches of alcoholism, depression, and existential despair. Brief Synopsis Read More An avowed alcoholic, Ben drank away his family, friends and, finally, his job. The strange thing about Leaving Las Vegas is, despite the terrible subject matter, the love story is genuinely touching. Trivia: Nicholas Cage and Elizabeth Shue were so dedicated to the film that she interviewed several real Las Vegas prostitutes while he went on a drinking binge to experience what might happen to his cognition and speech patterns. Sera doesnt seem to quite understand this and later attempts to stop Ben from drinking, which leads to the relationship coming to an end. The manic depression so deeply welling up in Ben is so forceful nothing will stop him completing his goal. She has no worth to anyone because of her occupation. [17], Roger Ebert from Chicago Sun-Times and Rick Groen from The Globe and Mail gave the film high marks. It's the morning after the world premiere of "Leaving Las Vegas" at the Toronto Film Festival in September, and I am still under the spell of this remarkable film.It stars Nicolas Cage as a man who loses his family and his job, and moves to Las Vegas with the intention of drinking himself to death.. And while he is there he meets a prostitute, played by Elisabeth Shue, and they fall in love . You sense an observant intelligence peering from inside the drunken man, seeing everything, clearly and sadly. [10], The limited budget dictated the production and Figgis ended up filming in super 16mm and composing his own score. The website's critical consensus reads, "Oscar-awarded Nicolas Cage finds humanity in his character as it bleeds away in this no frills, exhilaratingly dark portrait of destruction. and our * NO COPYRIGHT INTENDED* Show more Show more Days of Wine and Roses YouTube Movies & TV Drama 1962 Buy or rent Unrated Leaving Las Vegas. For Cage, the success opened the door to bigger projects. He tries to excuse his tremors by lying about a recent brain surgery, but he gives up and downs an early morning gin and tonic to steady his hand. [8][12] Filming took place over 28 days. For an alcoholic, Leaving Las Vegas is nothing short of a horror movie. You work hard so you can play harder, which I clearly thought meant chugging liquor in secret. Addresses are not passed on to any third party, and are used solely for direct communication from this site. She chastises him and walks away. for strong sexuality and language, violence and pervasive alcohol abuse, The Unloved, Part 113: The Sheltering Sky, Fatal Attraction Works As Entertainment, Fails as Social Commentary, Prime Videos Citadel Traps Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden in Played-Out Spy Game, New York Philharmonic and Steven Spielberg Celebrate the Music of John Williams. I cant remember the last time I drank alcohol. We couldn't shut down The Strip to shoot". Until she meets Ben, that is. His work in Leaving Las Vegas is staggering because its an unglamorous depiction of an addict at the end of their rope. Want to keep up with breaking news? There was also a week and a half of rehearsal. Famously, director Figgis used a super 16-mm camera for the whole shoot. So, some substance abusers can lead lengthy careers within a company before the hammer falls. When she enters their hotel room, the students change the deal and demand anal sex, which she refuses. When she attempts to leave, they violently gang-rape her. One could also argue that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.). John OBriens father described his sons 1990 novel as his suicide note. Just stay, he beseeches to a baffled Sera. Well, that did not happen, meaning no closure for us. Directed by: Mike Figgis. Thats what triggered the realisation, 17 years after the event. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved, was less intimidating and made him less tense. The movie works as a love story, but really romance is not the point here, any more than sex is. The website's critical consensus reads, "Oscar-awarded Nicolas Cage finds humanity in his character as it bleeds away in this no frills, exhilaratingly dark portrait of destruction. He won Best Actor at the 1996 Academy Awards for his incredible performance. It really shows the nature of mental health issues beneath our outwardly sociable exteriors. At the last minute, a pre-SVU Mariska Hargitay agreed to replace Campbell, who dropped out to promote her album. Thats what I want, I want you to talk or listen, just stay. In the peaceful quiet of Bens hotel room, the two reflect on the winding drawbacks of their lives. Hed then film himself when drunk to get an understanding of the right body language, speech, and hand gestures. Is he divorced? One early morning, he drives drunkenly from his Los Angeles home down to the Las Vegas Strip; he nearly hits a woman, Sera, on the crosswalk. It's not a coincidence that some of the greatest artists have been manic-depressives. "[20], Video cassettes and DVD of the film were distributed by MGM Home Entertainment. Lead actress Elisabeth Shue does a reasonable job as prostitute Sera, but nothing that would constitute a seemingly . The late authors family informed him of the coincidence on set. The film was a success at the box office, particularly considering its budget, grossing $49.8 million. The factors that make this film depressing include seeing a once-successful man on a fast downward spiral, intent on killing himself. That's why I did Mr. Jones, because I think manic-depression is a fascinating, sad, and amazing phenomenon. Later, Sera explains to her therapist that she accepted Ben for who he was and loved him. As the bank teller asks him to sign his name, he clasps his hands around his arms and shakes uncontrollably. When she enters their hotel room, the students change the deal and demand anal sex, which she refuses. The three-time R&B vocal Grammy winner played the concerned cab driver. He also watched four movies: The Lost Weekend, Days of Wine and Roses, Arthur, and Under the Volcano. Shortly afterward, Sera is approached by three college students at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. On the 20th anniversary of the film's release, here are some life-affirming facts about Leaving Las Vegas. In the next shot Ben is pouring alcohol to an EMPTY glass filling it in 1/3 approx. . And much like him I also convinced myself the only cure for that pain was at the bottom of another glass. [20] Leonard Klady from Variety wrote Leaving Las Vegas was "certainly among a scant handful of films that have taken an unflinching view of dependency. [12] This caused him to film some scenes on the Las Vegas strip in one take to avoid the police, which Figgis said benefited production and the authenticity of the acting, remarking "I've always hated the convention of shooting on a street, and then having to stop the traffic, and then having to tell the actors, 'Well, there's meant to be traffic here, so you're going to have to shout.' You can also see Hollywood wasnt entirely sure how to deal with the film. Sera's really sad. While Sera is working, Ben goes to a casino and returns with another prostitute. Nic Cage is an odd beast. [13] As it won awards from multiple film critics organizations and earned four Academy Award nominations, the film's release was expanded and it ultimately opened nationwide on February 9, 1996. Figgis said people told him "You've lost your marbles" when he cast Shue in such a serious movie. Experimental acting is the aptest descriptor for what Cage does on screen. As he told the New York Times in 2019: Laurence Olivier said, What is acting but lying, and what is good lying but convincing lying? I dont want to look at acting that way. Related Topics: Leaving Las Vegas, Nicolas Cage, The Great Performances. Through their bond, they humanize and uplift one another in a world that has all but turned its back to them. Nicolas Cage stars as a suicidal alcoholic in Los Angeles who, having lost his family and been recently fired, has decided to move to Las Vegas and drink himself to death. Thats because he creates an alternate reality for himself that is vivid and alive, helping him ground any of his off the wall quirks. Australian and UK editions later were released. Leaving Las Vegas on Pluto TV | Classics | 1hr 51 min | Nicolas Cage garnered a Best Actor Oscar for his hauntingly disturbing portrayal of a suicidal alcoholic who falls for a compassionate Las Vegas prostitute (Elisabeth Shue) in one of the year's most critically acclaimed films. After losing his family and job, Ben Sanderson (Nicolas Cage) moves to Las Vegas to slowly drink himself to death. She takes him in as she might take in a wet puppy. Separate from membership, this is to get updates about mistakes in recent releases. This was the way everybody in their late twenties drank, right? [21] The video cassettes were distributed on November 12, 1996 in two languages, English and Russian, while the DVD was distributed on January 1, 1998 in English for USA and Canada. Instead, hes very smart, witty, and engaging. Instead of an alcoholic, Eating Las Vegas was about a corpulent man (Johnny Cocktails) who comes to Las Vegaswhere "the buffets never close"to eat himself to death. Another icon disappears from The Strip. Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is Copyright 2009-2022, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Unless someone wants to start a Kickstarter campaign? On his second day in Las Vegas, Ben looks for Sera, introduces himself, and offers her $500 to come to his room for an hour. One early morning, he drives drunkenly from his Los Angeles home down to the Las Vegas Strip; he nearly hits a woman, Sera, on the crosswalk. With nothing left to live for, and a sizable severance check from his boss, he heads to Las Vegas to drink himself to death. But he doesn't stop drinking. Yet they meet for a final time when Ben is on his deathbed. We really liked having you around, Mr. Simpson says as Cages eyes fill with terror and regret. He went with a more action film focus after this, with daft (but entertaining) films like Con Air and Face/Off. I'm basically a nihilist and . His work in Leaving Las Vegas is staggering because it's an unglamorous depiction of an addict at the end of their rope. Contact me | Privacy policy | Join the mailing list | Links. Its a sense of loss we see in Bens face when his boss fires him towards the beginning of the film. She is proud of the way she controls her clients and sets the scenarios. Nicolas Cage stars as a suicidal alcoholic in Los Angeles who, having lost his family and been recently fired, has decided to move to Las Vegas and drink himself to death. [13], Leaving Las Vegas had a limited release on October 27, 1995. We just know his wife is gone, along with his son. Learn how your comment data is processed. You can see a half full glass standing on a bed table on his left. Finally one of the former friends takes him aside, gives him some money and says, "I think it would be best if you didn't contact me again." Trapped in an abusive relationship with her manager Yuri (Julian Sands), she moves through life dissociated and disillusioned. He may go into convulsions. As the credits begin to role, one cannot help but trouble over the argument the film extends about the futility of change. This is a brutal tale of a middle-aged alcoholic man named Ben Sanderson (Cage). He would go on a bender and pass out, curled up in my trailer in a fetal position. It is about great sad passion, of the sort celebrated in operas like "La Boheme." Its so frightening because Cages performance expertly captures the psychological temperament and physical disintegration of alcohol addiction. Tackling these subjects is important and Figgis production was decades ahead of its time, for which we think he should be commended. And they're shouting, but it's quiet and they feel really stupid, because it's unnatural. Sera visits Ben, and the two make love, and he dies shortly thereafter. [18] Ebert wrote, "If there are two unplayable roles in the stock repertory, they are the drunk and the whore with a heart of gold. [9] He said "it was one of the most enjoyable pieces of research I've ever had to do for a part. Her ex-husband Jay Mohr is worth $6 million, his wealth comes from his comedy shows and movie appearances. All tracks are written by Mike Figgis except as noted. As those two hit it off, Sera invites Ben to live in her flat. The following day, Sera is spotted by her landlady returning home bruised and is evicted. As those two hit it off, Sera invites Ben to live in her flat. It is never made clear. Heres an unusual Oscar winner from 1995, with Nic Cage on career best form. A lot of communication in the year before we made the film. All rights reserved. Cage's drunkenness is inspired in part by a performance he studied, Albert Finney's alcoholic consul in "Under the Volcano." Oh well, at least there's always FanFiction. Acting is an art form, and behind every iconic character is an artist expressing themselves. [25] The film was also released on Blu-ray, HD DVD and LaserDisc.[26]. He has a silver tongue thats been silenced by addiction; his words now nothing more than the pathetic rantings of a man on the cusp of throwing his life away. Ben says he will not criticize her occupation either and she thanks him. [8] Cage recounted that he found the use of 16mm liberating as an actor stating in a 1995 interview with Roger Ebert: .mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}, "As an actor, having a 16-mm. It's in a select category of films along with Million Dollar Baby, Monster where I really respect the cinematic achievement, but I'll hopefully never have to watch again. There is a curious, effective scene in which he tries to get a check cashed, and his hands shake too much to sign his name. Mike Figgis, who wrote, directed, and composed the music for this movie, is a filmmaker attracted to the far shores of behavior. What moves me the most in movies is not when something bad happens, but when characters act unselfishly. Ben extends companionship and kindness to Sera during her most vulnerable moments. Privacy Policy. He is shaking. [19] Leonard Klady from Variety wrote Leaving Las Vegas was "certainly among a scant handful of films that have taken an unflinching view of dependency. I had been just like Ben, ashamed of the violent tremors that coursed through my hands. As the pair continue to hit it off, the audience begins to wonder if Ben will abandon his plans and commit to Sera. As we mentioned earlier, we dont know the full circumstances of Bens situation. Well also close by adding we think Mike Figgis (who also wrote the script) offers a thoroughly genuine account of mental health struggles here. At one point, after it is clear that Sera really cares for him, he tells her, "You can never, ever, ask me to stop drinking." She initially rejects their offer by stating that she only "dates" one at a time but eventually acquiesces when she is offered an increased price. In "Leaving Las Vegas," a man loses his family and begins to drink himself to death. After limited release in the United States on October 27, 1995, Leaving Las Vegas was released nationwide on February 9, 1996, receiving strong praise from critics and audiences. He also visited hospitalized career alcoholics. She replies in a little voice: "I know." What this elegance actually shows us is who Ben was before he succumbed to addiction. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Leaving Las Vegas". She initially rejects their offer by stating that she only "dates" one at a time but eventually acquiesces when she is offered an increased price. With Nicolas Cage, Elisabeth Shue, Julian Sands, Richard Lewis. The actor may hate Joe Goldberg, but we still cant get enough of the psychosexy sociopath Badgley brings to life in the stalker-centric rom-dram. Sera agrees, but Ben does not want sex. "[16] It also holds a score of 82 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 23 critics, indicating "universal acclaim". Considering how much fear and loathing there apparently is in Las Vegas, its not terribly surprising one would want to leave it. Censors also thought Yuris (Julian Sands) buttocks were too strong when he was in bed with Sera. [5][11] He said "We didn't have any money, and we weren't pretending to be something we weren't. Beneath their occupations are their souls. After limited release in the United States on October 27, 1995, Leaving Las Vegas was released nationwide on February 9, 1996, receiving strong praise from critics and audiences. In "Leaving Las Vegas," a man loses his family and . Perhaps Figgis's whole point, however, is the frustrating codependence of the protagonists. camera in my face was liberating because it's much smaller, so you don't feel as intimidated by it. Unfortunately, it also turned out to be the end of the series, too. Months after the show aired and before it was officially canceled a source told TV Guide that if Las Vegas failed to receive a sixth season pickup, Duhamel and Simms would appear in the background of the then-new NBC series Knight Rider, holding their newborn. Oh, this movie is so sad! Cage recounted that he found the use of 16mm liberating as an actor stating in a 1995 interview with Roger Ebert: Figgis had problems because permits were not issued for some street scenes. This bank scene is the moment that made me originally turn the film off, because it was too much of a painful reminder of what I had just been through. Its an exhilarating performance from Cage in a stumbling, deadbeat way. Sera begs Ben to see a doctor, which he refuses. Sera is a prostitute working for abusive Latvian pimp Yuri Butsov. Nicolas Cage said it was bittersweet that the author, who was 33 years old when he died, never got to see the film based on his noveland life. A soundtrack album, consisting mainly of film score composed and performed by Mike Figgis, was released November 7, 1995. If anything, Leaving Las Vegas is a public service announcement, warning about how slippery of a slope just one more can be. Cast : Nicolas Cage, Elisabeth Shue, Julian SandsScreenplay : Mike FiggisRelease : October 27, 1995Director : Mike FiggisGenre : Drama, RomanceCountry : USAStream NowTim's Rating : Bang for your Buck : Leaving Las Vegas (1995) Posted by Tim Brayton Posted on Jun - 3 - 20170 Comments To live and die in L.V. No shame if it's just not your thing. Again, surprising given its subject matter. It's not a coincidence that some of the greatest artists have been manic-depressives. Its what makes Cages performance all the more pitiable. But, in a shocking twist appropriate for a season-ender, Cooper walked into his own memorial service, revealing to everyone that he survived the plane crash. "[15] It also holds a score of 82 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 23 critics, indicating "universal acclaim". But for Cages Ben, rather than asking for help, he ties that rope into a noose so he can hang himself. Along the way, in Mike Figgis' movie adaptation of John O'Brien's. He sang Stormy Monday in the cab before he talked to Sera, but Figgis cut it for seeming too self-indulgent when it came timefor editing. Prior to his life falling apart, he was a successful screenwriter. Everything is real to him, even if he often doesnt seem real to us. Follow me for a varied 2xTop Writer diet: true stories, humor, tech, AI, travel, geopolitics and small business tips as I write around the world on my old boat. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Ask Dr. Moron: How do I tell if Im pregnant?, Hot Cross Buns: One a Penny, Two a Penny Foodstuff. Making a splash: A deep dive into the live-action Little Mermaid with a new generation's Ariel. I believe some people like going there as they get treated like a King/Queen and its open 24/7. Itinerants, hobos and sailors are welcome, but dont expect food, drink or money. but the ending is strong. Cage researched by binge drinking in Dublin for two weeks and had a friend videotape him so he could study his speech. We brush those objections aside, because they have nothing to do with the real subject of this movie, which is that we must pity one another, and be gentle. And I know it's a grim film, but a couple more lighthearted scenes in the last third would've made it less miserable and therefore more . Leaving Las Vegas is a tough movie to watch, tho. Minutes later, brought back to life by alcohol, he is trying to pick up a woman at a bar: "You smell good," he says. Clearly inwardly distraught, he decides to abandon everything, head out to Las Vegas, and drink himself to death. He didnt have a filming warrant so the two actors had to be quick to avoid the police. That's why I did Mr. Jones, because I think manic-depression is a fascinating, sad, and amazing phenomenon. Ben eventually goes as far as to be intimate with a woman from a casino in Seras own bed a momentous betrayal. However, back in his motel the pair forego sex and instead spend the evening drinking. Months after the show aired and before it was officially canceled a source told TV Guide that if Las Vegas failed to receive a sixth season pickup, Duhamel and Simms would appear in the. Not because I dont remember the date I quit it was two weeks shy of the Twin Peaks: The Return premiere but because I literally cant remember it. To be this realistic takes a lot of guts and were pleased it worked out for him and this cult classic. That made it, to me, a fascinating subject that, alas, did not come out in the film. Shortly afterward, Sera is approached by three college students at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. The movie is not really about alcoholism. The two agree to not judge one another, but it doesn't take long for Sera to break their pact and try to put an end to Ben's suicidal bender, which prompts Ben to sabotage their relationship. It is unclear to what extent he fully understands his circumstances. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Whoever created the trailer clearly had little idea what they were dealing with, trying to play on the films occasional bursts of humour like its some fun barfly romp. We think its great triumph is in the authentic portrait of manic depressive self-destruction. Based on the novel by John OBrien, the film deftly explores the challenge of caring deeply for a person with devastating flaws. Despite their uplifting bond, it becomes increasingly difficult to condone Bens incompetence. Subscribe to our email newsletter. The pregnant Delinda, yes that's really her name, then starts bleeding possibly from the shock of seeing Cooper alive, more likely because whatever was wrong with her pregnancy just happened to manifest itself at that exact moment. She later was nominated for an Oscar for playing Sera. We couldn't shut down The Strip to shoot". And we never found out what happened to Delinda, Danny and their in-danger baby. Check out the mistake & trivia books, on Kindle and in paperback. During the opening credits, a mans voiceover echoes against a black screen and foreshadows the self-destruction to come: Have you ever had the feeling that youre that close to losing your mind? An ironically upbeat score accompanies a montage of Ben Sanderson (Nicholas Cage) placing dozens of bottles of liquor into his shopping cart, an apt introduction to his alcoholism. Ultimately, Figgis seems to contend, no one can fight our darkest fears in our place. Because as soon as that big camera's in your face, you tense up a little bit. I thought I was living life, but in actuality I was barely living at all. When Billy, the group's sworn bachelor, finally proposes to his thirty-something (of course) girlfriend, the four head to Las Vegas with a plan to stop acting their age and relive their glory. 1 year ago Save It is with great sorrow that I've just read this news, including seeing the posted pictures. The supermodel was supposed to play the hooker at the bar who Ben takes back to his and Seras apartment. The ending of 'Las Vegas'. Required fields are marked *. Entertainment Weekly is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. Leaving Las Vegas. A version of "Lonely Teardrops" performed by Michael McDonald that features in the film is not included. He told Film Critic: "It was just a week and a half of rehearsal. After one particularly rough bender where he downed a pint of hard liquor in one agonizing swallow, he goes to a bank to try and cash a check. If you use excerpts, provide us with credit. After drunkenly settling into his new home, Ben heads out onto the Las Vegas Strip to fritter about. [16] Roger Ebert from Chicago Sun-Times and Rick Groen from The Globe and Mail gave the film high marks. But in this explosive instance, Ben is clearly burning from agony within. He plans to drink his way into oblivion with the remaining money he . Available to host your next spooky public access show. Usually, no action is taken until the addictive behavior starts affecting company income, insurance and morale. Here he began with a novel by a man named John O'Brien, whose autobiographical sources can be guessed by the information that he killed himself two weeks after selling the book rights. Its the most truthful and honest depiction of the harrowing descent of alcoholism ever committed to screen, and its because of Cages raw, fiercely committed performance. Ben resolves to move to Las Vegas and reinvent himself. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Leaving Las Vegas Jump to Edit Summaries Ben Sanderson, a Hollywood screenwriter who lost everything because of his alcoholism, arrives in Las Vegas to drink himself to death. Not your standard Oscar fair. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Jacob Trussell is a writer based in New York City. The limited budget dictated the production and Figgis ended up filming in super 16mm and composing his own score. One of the films most notable cinematic elements is sound. And they're shouting, but it's quiet and they feel really stupid, because it's unnatural. Through a friend of his ex-wife, O'Brien got a gig writing Episode 37 of the animated series Rugrats, "Toys in the Attic", which premiered in 1992 under his only known pseudonym, Carroll Mine. Polish mobsters are after Yuri, so he ends his relationship with Sera in fear that the Poles may hurt her. Ben Sanderson is an alcoholic Hollywood screenwriter who has lost his job, family, and friends. Anyway, the plot. But for me it looks a bit sleazy, I dont gamble, and Id want to visit more culturally invigorating sections of America.