Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas an Adaptation

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is one of many book adaptations that has been extremely successful. The narrative plays out in a similarly confusing and psychedelic fashion, as the book was written in. Replicating the mood felt in the book is one of the most important things about adapting a book into a film, and Fear and Loathing is a, nearly, word for word duplication. The mise-en-scene is one of the most astounding aspects of the film. The costumes and locals resemble those which are read in the book perfectly. This is helpful in formulating its filmic integrity, through which the amazing story of "the American Dream", which Hunter S. Thompson is so infatuated with, can unfold correctly. The things that happen prior to the camera's are turned on, mise-en-scene, goes far deeper than just authentic costuming and sets. Johnny Depp, who portrays Thompson, was extremely good friends with the writer in real life, in fact he lived with him in his home in Kentucky for several months. It was during this time that he, in everyday life, began to dress like him, talk like him, and pick up his mannerisms. Once the camera is turned on it seems as if the exact characteristics of Hunter S. Thompson, written in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas have jumped out into the body of Johnny Depp. Many other aspects of the film work extremely well with this great portrayal in order to replicate the mood one receives from the book. Many of the camera angles and movements create a very jarring and confusing experience, much like how many have described life with Hunter S. Thompson to be like. The colors are vivid and pop out at the audience which recreate the psychedelic experience of life with Hunter S. Thompson. There is insane animation and image distortion which simulate the effects of LSD or ether, thus fully submerging the audience in the same "search for the American Dream" described so thoroughly by Thompson. Even the use of voice-over narration allows the audience to feel closely connected with the actual book.
To me the film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is one finely linked with authenticity and spectacle. The movie is just as fun as the book and equally entertaining if the viewer had no experience with the book. Authenticity and spectacle are important to focus on when filming an adaptation. It allows for all types of audience members, even the die hard novel fans, to enjoy the narrative and feel completely submerged in the plot. Needless to say this is one of my favorite movies.