I gotta tell ya I really like this movie, and if it's on I usually watch it, but when they get to that scene where Elizabeth shue gets punched by that college kid and then they all have their way with her, I change the channel or fast forward. That scene is too stomach churning for me. I realize it's just a movie, but that scene is just too much for me, anyone else?
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The first time i saw it was the uncut version that shows more of the rape scene, and yes it's not pleasant.
They not only hit her but one guy is punching her in the face as the one kind of "slow" guy is anally thrusting her- difficult to watch.
There are however worse rape scenes in movies than that one.
I've seen this film many, many times, and I just realized that the college boy rape scene presents similar images and violence to Sera's life with Yuri. Sera's relationship with Ben was a rescue from the violence and oppression of Yuri. When she threw Ben out of her apartment for being with the other hooker (who looked very much like Ben's ex-wife), Sera may have reverted back to her damaged relationship with Yuri, risking violence with the college boys. I am not blaming her for her victimhood or the rape, only trying to explain the director's intent in creating the similarities between the scene with the boys and her last couple scenes with Yuri, particularly the one closing shot of her head laying sideways.
shareI just realized that the hooker he picked up was played by Mariska Hargitay. Pretty amazing casting in this film. She does look very much like Ben's ex-wife in the photo that he burned when he left LA.
shareGood points, hnewstadt.
Early in the film she mentions that she does whatever the customer wants and that she can take a lot of discomfort/pain.
An the scenes with her boyfriend/pimp Yuri indicated that he was abusive with her.
Then there was the foreshadowing when she's in the motel with Ben for the first time, and she say's that for the $500 he was willing to spend she'd even let him "F*&k her butt".
She let her guard down with the 3 college rapists, as she was distracted because of her breakup with Ben.
I've seen this film many, many times, and I just realized that the college boy rape scene presents similar images and violence to Sera's life with Yuri. Sera's relationship with Ben was a rescue from the violence and oppression of Yuri. When she threw Ben out of her apartment for being with the other hooker (who looked very much like Ben's ex-wife), Sera may have reverted back to her damaged relationship with Yuri, risking violence with the college boys. I am not blaming her for her victimhood or the rape, only trying to explain the director's intent in creating the similarities between the scene with the boys and her last couple scenes with Yuri, particularly the one closing shot of her head laying sideways.
I watch this movie twice a year...in tandem with others that I watch whenever I'm getting ready to head to Vegas.
The rape scene still makes me cringe (and I've sat through it now at least 20 times) The blood trail coming from her butt, her bruised eye, the manic look in the faces of those kids, the whole thing gets to me.
But the scene is essential to the story, and it furthers the ongoing tragedy in both Ben and Sera's life. So I keep watching it, and I keep silently saying to myself, "Sera, get out of there"
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I watch this movie twice a year...in tandem with others that I watch whenever I'm getting ready to head to Vegas.
Isn't that like watching Schindler's List when getting ready to head to Germany?
There are a lot of layers to what makes up Las Vegas. The Hangover and Oceans 13 aren't the only ways to view the city.
I find this movie strangely cathartic - and it gives another view of my favorite city.
In the typical Hollywood film Ben would have gone out, bought a shotgun and killed the college boys with some choice Arnold-like comments....in a way I miss that.
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"Isn't that like watching Schindler's List when getting ready to head to Germany?"
No, it's not like that at all, because Schindler's List takes place in Poland and Czechoslovakia!
I have to say I was really prepared to be upset with the responses to your post. But I am really grateful for the sensitive and thoughtful responses
at this nest.
jkro, out of curiosity, why would you watch this movie just before going to vegas? personally, I think this is the greatest vegas buzz kill movie of all time.
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I think it's meant to show that Sera is living just as brutal a life as Ben is. It's brutal in a different way than Ben's, but brutal just the same.
Most people are so ungrateful to be alive, but not you. Not anymore.
~Saw~
Like I said, its part of a series of movies that I watch, heres the list
Casino
Vegas Vacation
Ocean's 11 and 13
Bugsy
Owning Mahowny (another downer)
The Hangover
The Cooler
Plus about 6 hours worth of documentary footage...
It presents a balanced view of what goes on in Sin City...which I think is kinda cool.
Nice list, I too love all things Vegas.
Films I'd add, which have a definite true "Vegas Vibe" would be:
Honeymoon in Vegas (Cage and Caan doing it right)
The Grand
and for a very tacky Vegas Vibe: Miss Congeniality 2
Ceasars 24/7 was a pretty good "reality" show, it's never on though.
Man without relatives is man without troubles. Charlie Chan
Somebody has WAY to much time on their hands if they're watching 12 hours of movies before going to Vegas twice/year.
You're missing Fear And Loathing!
shareI definitely think you should add Fear and Loathing to that list. It's an ultimate Vegas movie
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