Bright lights, luxury hotels, famous casinos, nightlife, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere… It’s no big wonder why Las Vegas has been the setting for so many loved films. Here are three of the most famous, and how the city contributed to their moods, action, and storylines.
Ocean’s Eleven
Ocean’s Eleven (eventually followed by Twelve and Thirteen, then Ocean’s 8 featuring an all-female cast) is one of the most successful ensemble-cast movies in recent decades. George Clooney, as Danny Ocean, led a crew that also included Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Casey Affleck along with other stars. It was a remake of a 1960 film and primarily shot in Las Vegas (with some scenes in New Jersey, Chicago, LA, Florida and Burbank). It was widely praised as a stylish, smart, witty and entertaining watch, and earned a 74/100 score on Metacritic.
Time was one of the few publications to criticise the movie, saying it didn’t “offer much”, but almost everyone else enjoyed it, particularly the climactic scene, which made Entertainment Weekly’s best-of-the-decade list. That scene was so entertaining that it might have made viewers want to play casino games themselves, including poker and slot games, although any gambler would be wise to remember that winning is never guaranteed and that the house always has an edge.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, based on Hunter S. Thompson’s novel, was a 1998 black comedy released 27 years after the source material. It starred Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro, directed by Terry Gilliam who co-wrote the screenplay. Gilliam said there was no precise budget with filming started and complained about the lack of organization.
Depp was reportedly advised by Bill Murray, who had also played Thompson, to choose a drastically different role in order to not “find [himself] ten years from now” still playing the same part. Gilliam’s film embraces Vegas’s wild and colorful, unconventional character and is remembered for its visuals as much as the writing. It was far from universally loved by critics: some called it a “mess”; others gave it a perfect 10/10; and others, like The A.V. Club, praised Gilliam’s trademark filmmaking and ability to bring Vegas to life.
Leaving Las Vegas
Leaving Las Vegas was altogether different: while it still featured some casino imagery, it was more romantic, and more dramatic. It starred Nicolas Cage who played Ben Sanderson, struggling with family and job issues. Both Cage and co-star Elisabeth Shue were praised for their ability to play potentially-cliché parts and make them believable. Cage’s commitment to the role was noted as he asked a friend to video tape his speech patterns in an attempt to find his character, who was based on the semi-autobiographical protagonist of John O’Brien’s novel of the same name.
Last word
There are many other films to revolve around Vegas and casinos – Casino, Bugsy, and 21 among them – but the three pictures above have been remembered through the decades for their striking imagery, unique characters, and action. Las Vegas continues to inspire: in recent years Elvis, Anora, and Venom: The Last Dance have all shown the city in its lights and wonder.
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