Leaving Las Vegas
(1995) Starring Nicholas Cage and Elisabeth Shue
Directed by Mike Figgis
Plot: Alcoholic screenwriter Ben Anderson moves to Las Vegas to die. His wife and son have abandoned him due to his drinking, and he is fired from his job. As he spirals deeper in the world of vice, he meets prostitute Sera and they move in together. As their relationship grows, Sera tries to alter their future by getting Ben on the straight and narrow against the backdrop of the worlds biggest gambling city.
Review: Set in the seedier side of Vegas, this is a gritty and realistic film which is not for the faint hearted. There’s very little casino action, and Vegas is merely the backdrop; the bright lights and slot machines are always apparent. When it first came out it was seen as rather harrowing, but it was an Oscar winner, and it also received 25 other film awards and 17 nominations. Definitely one to watch, but with the main character’s demise its more likely to get you thirsting for the casino tables than a beer.
