I just watched this film for the second time and find it extremely powerful again. Nic Cage acting was truly amazing and i believe Elizabeth Shue should have the oscar as as well this is really what a hooker's life is like not like Julia Roberts in pretty woman. A film about loneliness and a need for human connection. I was pulverized by this film when I first saw it couldn't stop thinking about it for days
It is. Perhaps because it touches so intimately my own personal journey, this film really resonates with me. Even the soundtrack, that so many people seem to hate, perfectly sets the mood of the film for me.
On another note, I don't know where I am going to go to talk about films like this once these boards are shut down. I am going to miss this.
I remember seeing this movie back in '97 when HBO was doing one of those free weekends. I was only 19 at the time and to this very day it is a movie that has moved me so emotionally. Even that young I knew I was watching something special and meaningful. I have no "art imitating life" connection, I'm not an alcoholic, but when I watch this damn movie....I can feel the hurt in my heart for Cage's character. The pain he expresses is just so vivid and gut wrenching; it's almost difficult to watch because of its realism. And the musical thread that is woven through this is simply perfect. The almost haunting light jazz captures you and brings you to Las Vegas. This movie is one of the first serious natured movies I' ever watched as an "adult" and I will always watch it when it's on.
shareI was hoping they would leave the details of Ben's marriage and child ambiguous and I'm glad they did! It made the film all the more powerful. You can't help but wonder what all went down to lead Ben down this path.
share