American (Fever) Dream: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is often accused of just being a shallow depiction of extensive drug use, but the film deals with much deeper themes regarding the nature of excess and the death of the American Dream.
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[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you for watching! Last episode I mentioned the possibility of covering this film if there was enough interest, and oh boy was there! You guys showed more enthusiasm than I ever expected, so this one's for you lovely people! I think the movie often gets a bad rap, and I think it should absolutely be a film on everyone's radar, so here it is, the video you guys have been waiting for! I hope you enjoyed it! Again, a big thank you to Squarespace for sponsoring this video, without whom these videos wouldn't be coming out as consistently. Be sure to head over to www.squarespace.com/filmradar to get your free trial and discount!

[@bayleewmiller]

Film Radar have you read the new book How to Change Your Mind? I'm reading it now and enjoying it, and there are pieces of this video that connected with its content. I recommend it. Great vid btw!

[@stephentoth6003]

Film Radar Hey dude. I do wanna say i love your channel. I feel like you missed with this one, in a way, with your philosophy on it. I think you might be wrapped up in the idealistic view of the late 60s. And that changed your analysis, which when it comes to Fear and Loathing, matters, as FL is the quintessential story about people idealistic incorrect view of the 60s. It seemed like you made your analysis of the 60s in a counterculture (good) getting defeated by America/capitalism/conservatives (bad) with only the caveat at the end with his wave speech. Thats the thing though. The ENTIRE movie is the wave speech and teaching the reader how the counterculture self defeated itself and was not to be idealized. The book was written in 1971. Long before nIxon and the end of vietnam. After civil rights laws passed. And few years after the hippie movement whuch was only maybe 2 to 3 years. And it wasnt defeated by just manson and Altamont, it was the entire central idea of the hippie movement. And thats the point of the book. A movement made on excess fails. Despite how well-intentioned, and this is someone at the end of that era still on excess ruminating on how it all went wrong. Hippie movement failed because it was quickly commercialized, flooded Haight-ashbury with homeless runaway teens , (who believed it was communal living when the smaller movement originally was people who understood had to go to work). Speed VERY quickly took the scene over and became a very very dark place in about 2 years time. Thats the entire message of Fear and Loathing. Not that anything was defeated. But ruminating on why the Counterculture movement failed so hard but was so special. An amazing feeling that they were totally right, and living in excess and not realizing despite the energy the central premise of the movement would cause it to crest and the wave roll back. I loved the book and was in love with the Counterculture era. But this book was one of the things that got me to look into why the hippie movement failed, i just wanted to throw my two cents in, you'll really like looking into all of it if you liked Fear and Loathing. Its all super interesting how much of what we imagine it was, it wasnt.

[@MesGuided]

Film Radar Thank you so much for your work! This Fear and Loathing analysis made me so happy to watch!!!

[@daniel_netzel]

I have not, but a quick google search tells me it's right up my alley! Thank you for saying so, and thanks for the suggestion! I've got a hectic schedule these days, but if I find the time I'd love to check it out!

[@daniel_netzel]

I have not, but a quick google search tells me it's right up my alley! Thank you for saying so, and thanks for the suggestion! I've got a hectic schedule these days, but if I find the time I'd love to check it out!

[@zorntier1775]

Buy the ticket take the ride

[@laurapickman9415]

My fave quote!

[@julllysergik9800]

LSD for ever

[@pavleradovanovic9841]

Bill Hicks

[@renel8964]

Tell me about the fucking golf shoes!

[@chandanl2226]

Buy the ride, TAKE THE TICKET, TAKE IT!

[@dyland5847]

"aren't we all just wandering aimlessly with no clue what the hell is going on? Just trying to find some peace of mind, or some kind of escape from the terrible circus that surrounds us." Well said man.

[@buffordbutters6284]

Yes and No. The "American Dream" as portrayed in the film and by this reviewer, as the grand illusion-- the perverted dangling carrot, if you will -- is truly just a hopeless seduction that the masses often mistake for salvation, and they unwittingly sacrifice their dignity and respect for others in the futile chasing of it. BUT, at the heart of a free market capitalist economy is not this fun-house, trap-door labyrinth of absurdity and darkness -- it's the freedom to anticipate and respond to the needs of others with creative solutions, and get duly compensated for that. It's born out of genuine compassion for others and utilizing innate creativity as a birthright. People who focus solely on providing genuine value to others, in a mind of service, not status-seeking, will always find abundance. When we put the focus on achieving genuine merit in performance of delivering that value with products or services or whatever, not the having of the stuff others covet or being in the roles others view as enviable, etc, we see the circus for what it is -- it may surround us, but we're not owned by it.

[@gordonbgraham]

@@buffordbutters6284 Well, said, Buff. "Aren't we all just wandering aimlessly with no clue..." No, we all aren't. Most "terrible circuses" are self created. Some of us have found meaning and genuine joy in life.

[@andrewherrera7735]

Think of a Vegas casino. Imagine buying a slot machine and testing it for fun all day, and only winning anything 1/100 times. Imagine being the person who owns the casino and watching the eager fools who walk up to the machines all day to spend $100s of dollars. That is the american dream that the leaders knows.

[@andrewherrera7735]

@@buffordbutters6284 There's nothing more that a body count from a war means than you were screwed over by your leader.

[@trippasnippa119]

thats because you surround yourself with people who are trying to escape. There are people out there who quell the circus and there are people who fuel the circus then there are people who have to live in the circus those are the people who are trying to escape.

[@greatspongebob123]

The way he talks about the high water mark just makes me get goosebumps. What an incredible scene. The world was changing. Everyone was finally doing things differently. There was love and talk of peace. The way he talks about it is as if he’s almost saying that he wouldn’t see anything like that in his life time again. He was right. He knew it but he was right. What an amazing moment neglected in a well crafted film

[@gregorybetz1369]

Totally

[@mackychloe]

That scene makes me kinda sad. The ride is over.

[@scrappydoo7887]

100% it portrayed the melancholic and nostalgic state of mind of Duke and the notion of the past and the end of the acid wave perfectly

[@mertzie31]

This "love movement" has led to thousands of families destroyed. Infanticide worldwide and a culture of complete narcissist self obsession. Hippies try to justify it and taking the moral high ground by claiming it's a "love movement". Love means sacrifice, duty, responsibility to other people. This is a movement who will use anyone, destroy other peoples property, molest children, and anything that "makes them feel good". These people have no foresight bc they don't care. They worship themselves and try to cast this as "higher intellect". When in fact, it's just man's bases desires, the exact opposite of enlightenment "High and beautiful wave"? ... More like they crafted a tsunami, be a tsunami who's destruction, they themselves, didn't have to bear. What a sick and twisted worldview. Many the reasons the world is in the shape it's in now, is bc of this. Complete narcissism, to the extent of child molestation, being portrayed as virtuous and noble.

[@LamiNalchor]

Absolutely true. I don't understand why absolutely everybody misunderstands the hippies so much, though. They had been utterly apolitical.

[@raoul3016]

The ending of this movie with Jumpin Jack Flash and Duke driving off into the desert saying that amazing line "Just another freak, in the Freak Kingdom" always gives me goosebumps.

[@mackychloe]

good name

[@laurapickman9415]

One of my college professors turned me onto HST. After the semester we got together. We got stoned at his place where he played the movie for me. He then loaned me Fear and Loathing: The Campaign Trail 1972. My life has not been the same since. I read most of his books, if not all. HST took me on many wild adventures and taught me more than any history teacher ever had the balls to teach. Thanks for this. I loved it.

[@aprileve2113]

That is awesome. Reminds me of how it used to be in the good ol days.

[@joshuamccaulley7040]

Just curious, how has your life not been the same. What changed?

[@kalamityerstwhile7845]

Hey, professor- stop inviting your students over and getting stoned with them. Be a professional. Get friends your own age.

[@mantrajojo4163]

I watched this movie while I was high. I couldn’t tell if the movie was real or I was hallucinating.

[@daniel_netzel]

Probably both to be honest.

[@coreyandersson1786]

Same here

[@arand0mpanda537]

its really weird cause im not sure if its the acid i took a couple hours ago or is this real lmao

[@omff6329]

Same, best movie I've ever seen tripping.

[@Mr_Rabbit]

I was on acid when I watched it for the very first time, one of my favourite movies I've ever watched, life-changing. Ever since Ive wanted to recreate the film traveling across the country, viewing the world from different states of consciousness.

[@gracieg1152]

This is one of my favorite movies of all time but not one person I’ve recommended it to has liked it. They say they don’t understand it. I don’t know how they don’t instantly fall in love with the music, direction, actors performances and of course Thompson himself. Between his poetic narrative and unparalleled extremist personality (beautifully represented by Johnny Depp) it’s really a work of art. I think the reason the book was better received than the film is because of timing. It’s release in ‘71 was just after the fall of the decade of love and people were weary of it- eager to read of its criticism. By the time the movie was released, all that people wanted to remember of that time was the glow and freedom. With Depp and Del Toro heading it, younger crowds would be drawn to it and be disappointed by it’s sour portrayal of the culture. Great sources and awesome to see someone deep diving on this movie as it deserves it!!

[@nancydrew666]

Agreed!

[@ardp793]

Right?? I get so mad when people dont see the boundless beauty and magic in every little detail of this film , epic work of art

[@caldoreo]

This is certainly not a movie for everyone

[@twentytwo138]

I'll share my opinion if you are interested, i'll explain the things i didn't like. Sorry for my rant and judgement, i have a bit of a grudge against this movie haha.. Last time i watched it i was around 16, now i'm 26 so maybe i should give it another chance, but this is my impression of the movie so far. I do respect the cinematography and the whole idea behind the film, i love the actors, and i believe this is what real bad tripping on everything would look like, it seems very realistic. But for me it only brought out negative feelings while watching it, and not in an exciting way like a horror movie for example. I watched it with a joint and it brought out a similar feeling to a claustrophobia, with lots of confusion and disorientation. It was too dark, too much red color, too many black & white checkerboards.. It was like a fever dream, reminded me of surrealism art like Salvador Dali, which i never enjoyed. I think it's mostly because of the atmosphere of the film. I prefer other types of psychedelic art, think of Goa trance and Ayahuasca for example. Also the story didn't connect with me, it was too fast and too wild, lot of things happening at once, but in the same time it seemed like nothing was going on. It wasn't like the movies Trainspotting or Enter the Void where the trips would make sense and really hit you deep, the trips in Fear and Loathing seemed like random mindless events. Because the story was hard to follow, it seemed like i was just watching a compilation of trippy scenes. And back then i was really into trippy and hard-to-endure movies, i was fan of Gaspar Noe films, i liked the Serbian Film also etc.. So i thought i will love Fear and Loathing too but it was disappointing. I'll have to watch it again sometime though, maybe i change my mind. And another thing that ruined it for me was the culture behind the movie, where i grew up it was a typical trademark for people who just love all kinds drugs and they're proud of it, the kind of people that would sniff glue and snort baking powder just for fun, Fear and Loathing was like their Holy Bible.. They would put a FB profile pic of Johnny Depp with the sunglasses, the hat and the cigarette, they'll change their name to something that sounds gangsta and they're saying: ''Look at me bro, i party and i love drugs, fuck yeaah, i got dealer friends, i'm so cool'' it was a bit stereotypical movie around this area. And trust me, at least 50% of those people didn't understand the movie either, it was just because of drugs, drugs and drugs, nothing else.. Most of them don't even know what they watched but the movie is about lots of drugs so it's suddenly the best movie ever lol..

[@jabastarmer]

I think the movie was problematic because of the subject matter. It's fine when it's all cerebral but when it's up on on the big screen, it's dark and ugliness is right in front of your face. People have a problem with things that make them uncomfortable. Movie destroys the fairy tail of the 60's and the american dream it'self . I love this film and the book. The adrenochome scene/ passage is very telling and reveling in so many ways.

[@daniel_netzel]

I think that had a lot to do with it for sure, imagining it is one thing, seeing it right in front of you is something quite different, no escape from it until the movie's over.

[@mark1952able]

Pay attention to the 'NOW'

[@WetAdek]

yep, and it also made me want to try adrenochome. but maaaaaaaybe not in such crazy dose ;D

[@keef_cheefr3110]

@@WetAdek yeah, just don't drink half the fucking bottle like Thompson lmfao

[@WetAdek]

@@keef_cheefr3110 I'll do but only if my attorney is around me haha ;)

[@jesseyules]

Underrated film. Incredible cinematography.

[@daniel_netzel]

Completely agree. The cinematography is gorgeous, and perfectly compliments Gilliam's directorial style.

[@sethleoric2598]

I was wondering why this reminded me of Brazil and then i realized THIS IS A FRIGGIN T GILLIAM MOVIE

[@klarpkant]

It’s my all time favorite movie. I know objectively there are better out there but I just absolutely love this

[@jesseyules]

@@klarpkant It's a great summer movie watch with friends over drinks. Especially poolside. :)

[@HieronymousLex]

I’d say it’s properly rated

[@DampFireftw]

I think even hunter would be impressed with this review

[@daniel_netzel]

Oh man, I could only hope! Thank you for the kind words!

[@ValentineStu02]

true

[@aprileve2113]

I definitely do too.

[@jeffr6062]

There was always something about this film that kept me coming back. I've watched it well over 100 times. Some of the best acting I've ever seen, the setting, the way its shot, the story. I always felt like it had a deeper meaning than what was on the surface. It will always be my favorite film

[@xXXBongToker420xXx]

keta meme Amen

[@lionhartd138]

Better to watch it 100 times than to try and live it once. That's my advice.

[@scrappydoo7887]

@@lionhartd138 not really. Nothing they were taking was addictive. I've bought the ticket and taken the ride. Some of the very best times of my life

[@Jukeboksi]

@@lionhartd138 Shit-tier people will take shit-tier drugs but that has nothing to do with this film

[@samteks125]

@@scrappydoo7887 Incorrect (what about the coke and the amyls?), but also irrelevant

[@alibellule]

Finally a video that attemps to accurately analyse in depth one of my favourite films of all time, quite too often misunderstood. I haven't found essays as good as this one around, neat job!

[@daniel_netzel]

Wow, thank you so much! I definitely felt someone ought to, I was more than happy to take a stab at it.

[@cancelme4200]

The first time I watched this movie I got a panic attack during the circus circus scene. It really portrays drug use perfectly. Being in that tripped out head space when things get to be too much. One of the best movies ever made.

[@voidofhope6259]

Fear and Loathing is rollercoaster of high,low,up,down,weird, everything a person thinks and feels. It still hits like no other. A timeless journey.

[@djdepresso589]

Thank you for this video. It seems likes there is a lack of critical analysis of this movie on youtube, and I'm glad you decided to tackle it. Great input as always.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks for watching my dude! I'm glad I did too, I think it's an important piece of cinema that shouldn't be overlooked. Thank you! :D

[@PittsburghSonido]

DJ Depresso it will definitely get a lot of views if thats true.

[@djdepresso589]

Tony H Yeah, I guess you're right.

[@bovanjalog6822]

Highly agreed I saw a lot of thought go through the movie and into this video thank you so much

[@thybloodyromance]

i liked your comment solely because of your excellent username

[@QuetzalOvejasElectricas]

Bravo. Love this film.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks dude! I love it too, I didn't the first time I saw it either but it's really grown on me with each viewing.

[@fern2336]

omg

[@panchocolate4348]

Furro

[@The.Original.Potatocakes]

What about the golf shoes?

[@lucysyd2159]

Qué haces aquí mi furro lesbiana favorita

[@ProjektBurn]

This was a gorgeously poetic essay on a gorgeously poetic film. Thank you for doing this. You're awesome man. I hope this road brings you the success you deserve and continues to help viewers connect ideas we might've missed or overlooked when engaging in the works of art we make for each other. Kudos

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you so much for saying so! I sincerely hope so, been dreaming of that since I started this little project three years ago. All I want is to share my passion for cinema with people, and as long as I can continue to do that, I'll be happy.

[@xRaPtorWii]

this is professional level content! hard to believe this channel is only at 53k

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks so much for saying so my dude!

[@raoul3016]

Underneath all the wackiness, this is actually a pretty sad and thought provoking story Also, that ending gets me every time. "Just another freak in the freak kingdom."

[@keef_cheefr3110]

Such an amazing film, glad there are fellow people who also love this film as much as I do. I honestly think the only reason people didn't and don't appreciate this film is because it comes off strong and most people don't know how to take it. People are scared of reality being portrayed in movies, really. People watch movies to escape reality and forget sometimes that film is a form of art and literature. People I think are also offended at the disrespect of Duke and Gonzo towards America and the American Dream, as both of them use and abuse their excessive access to hotels, money, luxury, food, drugs, and other indulgences in the film. People see this as disrespectful and immoral when really it's reality. They see the excessive spending and using as "waste", when it's really just exploitation of the system we live in. For the right price in this society, you can have everything, that's what kills the idea of an American Dream. You need to have power and money in order to achieve and the people who have gained the power and money are always going to fight off the people working to achieve the same thing, essentially making the idea of the "American Dream" just a chase after the things we'll never have; which is why Duke and Gonzo choose to disrespect it and abuse it instead.

[@williamcutting5224]

My group of friends and I loved this movie when it released. When it came out on DVD, I played it over and over. I know every word and scene. I still love this movie today. It's a piece of art.

[@ben2741]

At 40+ I’ve reached a point where the only reason I haven’t killed myself is because I’m morbidly curious about what happens next.

[@raprot7829]

Yeah I watch the film at least 4 times a year, I've been watching it again and again since I was 13. One of my personal favorites, and definitely one of the most re-watchable films I've seen, along with Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.

[@boyobane1590]

I don't know about the other effects, but the way they managed to portray LSD is super relatable to me. Especially the way it distorts his perception of the vallet and the receptionist.

[@TheAtoZReviewBlog]

"The Video is Loading in Sony Vegas"

[@daniel_netzel]

lol

[@krelltechnology]

I remember my bedroom with an 2A0 poster of fear and loathing in las vegas, condoned by my highly religious parents because they had no clue what it was.

[@Halpin2006]

At 4:25, you are quite right when you said "for those who can look past the hedonistic indulgence, you can see that there's a lot more going on underneath the surface". I understand this all too well, as I have studied film, literature, and psychology. The narrative expression from Thompson is meant to show us the madness of all the drug use, while also showing the reasoning of it, the feeling, and results. Unlike the high school "scare" films on drugs which students have seen for many years, "F&L" is not a biased one-sided preaching, but instead shows the real feeling of all the tripping and chaos of the drug world. Each generation is smarter than the one before, and this film was meant for a more educated mind. Thus, just like the Indian Jones TV series (which also did not do well in 1992 because many felt it went overboard) "F&L" was ahead of it's time. Yes, this film would have sold much better box office in 2018. But hey, it's a cult classic! One of those cinematic films that will always be remembered!! (BTW, I subscribed to your channel)

[@jacobyoung729]

Very interesting point of view, most definitely would agree

[@BillLaBrie]

I think it’s charming you believe each generation is smarter than the last. That might be the case if governments and ngo’s hadn’t been subsidizing the creation of the stupid and neglected over the last 50 years.

[@sethleoric2598]

"The American Dream was soon realized to be just that, a dream" -someone important probably

[@akshaybhatia8971]

I love this video, and I love this film. I'm glad to see a video with appreciation towards Gilliam's film. I feel that the film jumps between its absolute insanity, and true introspective melancholy with real agility and I never felt either of the two prominent tones got shortchanged. A fantastic translation of Thompson's novel, a fantastic film, and another fantastic video, man. Great job!

[@daniel_netzel]

That's one of the many things I love about the film! It has moments of true poignant reflection, followed immediately by more sheer insanity, and it somehow manages to earn both tones.

[@fazadeset]

Pulp Fiction and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas best movies of the 90's

[@jessewhite2879]

Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia agreed, like no other

[@donkrusovica9049]

I trainspotting i fight club

[@austinprochaska3762]

You get it. Could not have watched a better analysis.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks so much! I figured since no one else had covered it(that I had seen) I might as well give it a go!

[@Ty91681]

Nailed it! I didn't realize this movie was hard to grasp. I think the ones who didn't understand it didn't try to understand it. It's not that cryptic.

[@kalamityerstwhile7845]

This was good film insight. It’s rare to find an academic and quietly thoughtful take on a subject in a sea of screaming superficiality. Thanks.

[@johnnyanonymous4634]

Definitely One of the Greatest Films Ever Made!! And Also one of the most underrated Films of All Time. The one thing I think you Left Out was that this film was serendipitously made at the end of the 1990's. The end of the millennium Was Never Pictured so perfect as it was in Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. This movie is By Far my Favorite movie Ever Made, No other film has ever given me the vast array of Feelings that this film did. Johnny Depp and Benecio Del Toro Are Phenomenal in this, it's Definitely my Favorite Role from either Actor. I Really enjoyed your video, you made some very interesting points and more importantly you kept me watching until the end. Bravo!!

[@daniel_netzel]

My favorite roles of theirs as well! Thank you so much for watching!

[@SeanHenderson]

Criminally understand and ignored. A masterpiece.

[@HyperPoorKid]

it's my favorite film and you captured its essence perfectly in your video. thank you

[@daniel_netzel]

Glad I didn't disappoint! Thank you kindly!

[@stevecollins9450]

Thanks so much for this fantastic review of one of the great films of all time. IMO Hunter would be very proud of you and your understanding of this film.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks so much for saying so! That is very kind of you!

[@younglord00]

this is one of the best videos i’ve ever see on this app

[@daniel_netzel]

Quite the high praise, thank you kindly!

[@pearlfisher2813]

I met Ralph Steadman at the Edinburgh Fringe in1987 . Thompson was supposed to attend a book festival in Charlotte Sq Gardens but the drug addled bastard never showed up. Luckily I met Ralph in a pub on Rose st later that day and he couldn't have been nicer. Thompson later wrote about the reasons for his no show in Generation of Swine in a chapter entitled " Last taxi to Scotland" . Thanks for uploading this video review, excellent job my friend . 👍

[@dan666x]

Awesome film and very good review of it, accurate and positive! Definitely is a underrated classic!! :)

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you so much!

[@SouthMeckStunna]

The movie is pretty good until you read the book. The book is on such a higher level

[@whodis177]

Incredible content. Amazingly edited, and insanely well written. I love this type of philosophical and intelligent examination into stuff that can really offer so much.

[@bannanamangamingandcomedys2398]

Fear and loathing is and will always be in my top 5 movies of all time

[@BruceWayne-wh4of]

Probably my favourite Terry Gilliam movie. I do not really like his style, but "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is a total exception. It's kind of paradoxic, that critics didn't praise the movie. Maybe the message and satire of the film, was too much for them.

[@daniel_netzel]

Mine as well! I haven't seen everything of his, but what I have seen I feel somewhere in the middle about, Fear and Loathing and Monty Python are the big exceptions for me.

[@georgemichaels9536]

Another Knock out good sir, as an aspiring writer/Vegas enthusiast in the process of returning, I appreciate you taking the time to really dig into this adaptation and it’s merits.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you so much for saying so! I appreciate it!

[@westcoastkydofsoutherncali3107]

Just wonderful this movie stuck with me... well The few scenes that I saw when I was only 15

[@maxobyrne1474]

Eyyyyy! I’ve been looking forward to this so much! I think it’s brilliant how well they manage to get the style of the book onto the screen

[@daniel_netzel]

I do too! One of the most visually stunning films I've ever seen!

[@Horror-Man]

Loved the video and this channel in general. Also, I really hope you make that video on Shyamalan's unique superhero trilogy once Glass comes out.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks dude, so glad you're digging the content! I'm very excited to see what he does with it, the first two are probably his best films.

[@Zed-fq3lj]

One of the best and most underrated movies of all times, and one of the best videos ever on youtube! priceless, well done dude!

[@BobaGabe1]

Great video. This is one of my favorite films. Outstanding.

[@daniel_netzel]

Mine as well, top ten favorite of mine easily. Thank you so much!

[@Huitzel]

The first tome I ever watched this movie with my brother, who owned the DVD and loved it, we decided to watch it after dropping two tabs of some high power blotter… It was around 2004-2005 and those large rear projected box TVS were going out of style due to LCD TVs becoming the norm. We went to a buddy’s house, turned off all the lights, maxed out the volume and watch “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” with a head full of Lucy on one of those huge 60” rear projected TV… I soon after purchased a majority of Hunters works.

[@JacubanGecko]

One of my favourite films by one of my favourite directors. This video essay was very infodense and great at illustrating the brilliance of this film

[@spaceycaveco.698]

A great presentation and commentary of one of my favorite films of all time! Thank you!

[@YourTrustyHonkey9716]

40 years later and we're still facing this problem

[@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat]

I love this movie but it's aesthetic is obviously heavily influenced by Oliver Stone's "Natural Born Killers", "The Doors", and "U-Turn".

[@daniel_netzel]

I've only seen "The Doors" of those three, but I can see the similarities.

[@grandmaniacs3269]

one of your best works yet !!!

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you so much for saying so!

[@GamerGuy51]

Awesome mini-doc! Thanks sir!

[@TankGunner84]

I disagree with his take of the movie and book. I believe it’s about how the American dream has been corrupted and watered down. The American dream changed along with fads and commercials while becoming less concerned with family and happiness and more concerned with money and belongings.

[@mack495]

That's exactly what he talked about. 🤨

[@honeybadger1847]

Writing this in March, 2020. Las Vegas is dark, its lights shut off and doors closed by Nevada’s governor to mitigate, too late, the damage of a public health crisis. Folks are indeed experiencing fever dreams, sensory distortions and disturbances,the natural consequence of immune systems on overdrive. I am 10 feet tall. But I am not Alice. I am sick. I remember a reality show host, now president of the United States, dry humping the American flag while people cheered. That was another fever, though, the culmination of another sickness.

[@christdolphin69]

nice work. loved it. no other film gets closer to that idealized mental perspective of psychedelic trips that you have when you're young and trying drugs for the first time. it's like a dream. really showcases the imaginative power of cinema but you nailed it with the underlying message as well. keep up the great work

[@Brucey]

*Literally get Film Radar withdrawal symptoms*

[@daniel_netzel]

;)

[@bajorekjon]

Also the soundtrack is amazing. Every song fits perfectly from beginning to end.

[@4jasonhensley]

Awesome film! When this was released I saw this. At the end of the film I went to buy a ticket to watch it again. My mind was blown. Great breakdown. This film is definitely under rated. Great acting all the way around.

[@jonjacobson5915]

Still deciding to introduce this movie 🎬 to my daughter 🤔 💭 2024

[@griffinh21]

Great video dude, keep it up!

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you my dude! I will!

[@kingstoney29]

Still one of my favorite videos about fear and loathing, I always come back to it

[@Rad_Jaxon]

The perfect movie to commemorate the end of 20th century America.

[@PortCharmers]

One of the best movie experiences of my life: watching Fear & Loathing on a garden party at a tiny antique hydro-power-station in the middle of nowhere in Bavaria. Mellow summer night, bonfire blazing, and Duke's and Gonzo's antics on a large tarpaulin that was hung up on the building.

[@scrappydoo7887]

I think it's the difference between the type of person who watches movies as opposed to those who read books. A very large number of movie goers aren't exactly complicated thinkers but that can be said of people as a whole. Bookworms are generally more intelligent and deeper thinkers

[@lmoody9000]

That was a good video, thank you. Film Radar never lets me down, it's real shit.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks so much dude! I always do my best to deliver quality content, glad you're still enjoying it

[@labutak8994]

This is one of my favorite youtube videos ever.

[@daniel_netzel]

You are too kind:3

[@ImWillHD]

This review was just what i was looking for i love this film and it was lacking exposure and analysis. Quick question what editing software do you use? i have experience in Sony Vegas and Premier Pro.

[@daniel_netzel]

Awesome, glad you weren't disappointed! I use Premiere for basic cutting or dissolves, After Effects for the complicated stuff, and a little bit of Photoshop for the thumbnail(which I then animate with After Effects).

[@nellsonogmore5938]

I watched this film when it first came out and thought it was amazing then as I do now.

[@Cephalopod51]

After seeing the film and reading the book, I was very confused by the reviews of critics who claimed to have loved the book and hated the film. The book itself is very much uncomfortable, sickening, and horrifying, especially with the addition of Ralph Steadman's brilliantly surreal and nightmarish illustrations. How could they forget how dark the book was? For me, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas kind of feels like a variation of the archetypal sleazy horror stories, suspense tales, and morality plays of EC Comics, but with the twist that the main characters don't get their comeuppance for their mistakes: they escape, they survive, they supposedly still live their lives, and one of them reflects about how their behavior in Vegas is a reflection of the times he lives in. It also infuses the philosophy of Fitzgerald and Conrad, as well as the psychedelic sensibilities of Carlos Castaneda and the surreal nauseating satirical horror of William Burroughs. The scene where Duke sees the people in the Vegas lounge transform into giant reptiles in a pool of blood is very Burroughsian, and it also resonates with the horror films of John Carpenter and David Cronenberg. I'd also argue that Fear and Loathing feels like a pscychedelic dark satiric take on The Great Gatsby, in that Duke and Dr. Gonzo are excessive and anti-establishment versions of Tom Buchanan and Daisy. And I also credit the book and film for accurately demonstrating what exposure to overstimulation is like. There's just so much to appreciate and to analyze about Fear and Loathing, both book and film.

[@daniel_netzel]

Totally agree. There's a lot going on in the film that people seem to look right past in favor of criticizing the hedonism.

[@massv953]

It also has soooo many little things to catch, you can watch it 4-5 times and still see something new

[@daniel_netzel]

It ages like a fine wine.

[@miguelhernandez4975]

Thank you for this video. I have been returning to both the movie and the book maybe once every other year since I was a young teen. You seem like the kind of person that would be really fun to discuss this with.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks for watching! That's very kind of you to say, I certainly would like to think I could talk shop about this film.

[@goopboogop8591]

At 6:42 the little pre rolled up bill that he pulled out was such a detail that I didn’t notice my countless times watching but finally seen in this video. Amazing movie and great take on it ❤️

[@jamiefinn4438]

The people who don't get this story is a huge criticism of the 'ideal America' and how it has been manipulated and controlled by the government and the upper class. The American dream isn't a lie, but nobody knows what it is anymore. This is a great video man.

[@sillyninja65]

There are many movies I love, but the cult films for me are my favourite, the big lebowski and fear and loathing being at the top

[@daniel_netzel]

I think I might know a little bit about how you spend your spare time ;) (no judgement of course, just an observation haha)

[@martijnkrijns4643]

These are my favorite movies 2 cult classics! They are made 2 watch on lucy :)

[@anitarichmond8930]

I am a child of the 60’s and thankfully so. I don’t do drugs, drink or smoke. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not opposed to such behavior under the right circumstances, but day in and day out? Well I got sh!t to do. Besides both of my parents walked that road before they knew the price of tuning in and dropping out. But from my perspective those were good times,man. ✌🏼☮️❤🌻🎶

[@niloljk7884]

Who’s still in fear and loathing to this day

[@Turner9090]

I’ll tell you right now....as many of you know, they nailed hallucinogenics.....the scene where they first meet their photographer...it really hits right on the dot the moment when your tripping and some outsider who isn’t on drugs comes into the situation...it was amazing

[@theblckpool]

Oh my! Hunter's depiction of Nixon is so... familiar...

[@daniel_netzel]

Oh whatever could you mean? There isn't a single former or *current* president that fits that description at all....

[@theblckpool]

Film Radar At all....

[@deminom]

Was watching recently the movie on YT and was dazing off when your piece woke me and quickly had me fixed on it agape at your content, interpretation, and expression of a film I revere and adore. I couldnt agree more with what and how you said it. Just spot one and excellent prose to consume. The film itself truly ' a masterpiece by two incredible character actors in their primes (I could nominate easily either actor for academy award portrayals)..' ...and from there, your assessment, reference and exposition was as good or better than Thompson could himself pen... IMHO. WELL DONE indeed! An absolute joy and privilege to view/hear.

[@geordiejones5618]

This and American Psycho are two of the only adaptions I've seen that actually manage to improve the source material.

[@luccisosa6185]

what song is playing in the back of 0:25-0:45

[@luccisosa6185]

SOMEBODY! PLEASE

[@luccisosa6185]

Debby reynolds- Tammy

[@hectormoreno9793]

@@luccisosa6185 lol

[@marileabond]

My favorite book. I appreciate your observations and heartily agree with you.

[@brettmcmahon7263]

Hear Hear.. it is a very underated classic. Comparing the books release V's the films release probably says more about us as a society! I went along to the cinema at 11am after about 3 weeks of it's release and I was the only one in the cinema. Unbeknownst to myself at the time I was sitting dead centre in the cinema as this classic rolled. I was in a major capital city, it wasn't some back water town and I had it all to myself. Looking back it definitely says a lot about our society. I had the purple Dr Martin's, green fluffy jacket, long hair, dreadlocks, nose ring and youth on my side but I was the weird one for seeking knowledge. Just shut up and pay your taxes and look where we are now.... What a wonderful world. Well it is if you stay home and watch KZbin, but even KZbin is trying to destroy itself constantly, ahh that high water mark!

[@justinpipes85]

I'm kinda glad HST didnt live to see us elect Trump as president. He's rolling over in his grave right now. It's so sad.

[@daniel_netzel]

Same. Though I can't deny, I'd love to see his take on this shit show.

[@justinpipes85]

@Slave of Jesus you think a southern gentleman like Thompson is to blame with the general ills of modern American society and not the unfettered greed of people like the Ttump Clan? Right... Artists bad. Greed good.

[@Nimrod336]

I didn't understand or appreciate the film for what it was until I read the book...read the book and then watch it. It will literally blow your mind. Hunter s Thompson is a staple for a by gone Era that we can only look back on in literature and film and hope to catch a glimpse of through our narrow and blinded sight of the lenses of new social media and big corporations culture America has made for us.

[@lameusername7105]

movie is so underrated

[@daniel_netzel]

Totally agree!

[@alansmithee4927]

This movie is not underrated. Just because the general public doesn’t like it doesn’t mean that pretty much every film fan does. A true underrated film has to be something that most film fans hate as well or have not seen. And les be honest most film fans have seen this film and loved it

[@Sun.Shine-]

I think this film is what "Hotel California" song's visuals i have envisioned in my head. The time period, the aesthetics with horror elements from "the shining".

[@habfewufbq3ouwfwfcq3r]

As someone who hoes on heavy psychedelic journeys in patches, these peoples discoveries of the horrible illusion of the American dream and the fact that nature and industrialization are at a constant yin and yang battle is very relatable

[@stonerguru4246]

This story,(my Favorite movie.) is a colorful journey, to the dark truth of modern society… that struggle, distrust, bewilderment, and distress are all part of their game we play; that what we consider the American Dream is merely the great Lottery of Life we all play, so the few who establish the game, are the only real winners. So I say to you, dear commenters; Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride!

[@ThePassionOfTheMarc]

'Where The Buffalo Roam' with Bill Murray as Thompson is classic, also.

[@Stereocrabs]

watched this a few years ago and really enjoyed the camera work

[@ianwagner4281]

You have a great voice for thoughtful explanation/analysis.

[@daniel_netzel]

Always glad when people think so. Gotten quite a few from the other side of that opinion xD

[@Andrea-rw9tf]

I may have to rewatch this, I watched it as a teen, high on LSD trip. I was tripping too hard to remember most of it.

[@mark1952able]

People will come back to this film