MovieChat Forums > Leaving Las Vegas (1996) Discussion > Why did Ben pay off his American Express...

Why did Ben pay off his American Express? (possible spoiler)

posted 12 years ago by zensixties
9 replies | jump to latest

Why was Ben concerned enough with the financial welfare of Amercan Express to pay them off. Was he worried about his credit even though he was in effect committing suicide? Maybe he didn't know that when you die your debts become cleared automatically. The other thing is in the beginning he tells that guy, "I lost my credit cards". If so then why pay off AMEX?

For who would bear the whips and scorns of Hollywood... (;-p)

[–] jsisgod 12 years ago

This is just a guess, but I always figured that Ben wanted to tie up all the loose ends in his life before he could end it. That included paying off his debts. That explanation is pretty superficial though.

That being said, there could be a deeper meaning. Ben was an alcoholic and had been one for some time. I have no doubt that his choice of lifestyle brought with it a lot of casualties. We know for a fact he lost his wife and his son. He also lost a good career. He probably lost friends, associates and possibly other family members. Remember, he was alone when he embarked on the trip to Vegas.

I get the feeling that Ben hurt a lot of people over the years. It is difficult to imagine a way that Ben could rectify all the hurt, anguish and pain he had caused others. Perhaps in the end, all he could really do to tie up those ends and close those doors was to pay off Amex.

Maybe I'm reading too much in to it. That's my take anyway.

[–] BoogieKnight 12 years ago

I'd go with your view on it, anything that's not entirely obvious in the movie, I just refer to who the writer John O'Brien was. The only other possible explanation could be that he was still legally married so his wife might have had to deal with his outstanding debts.

[–] sth78 11 years ago

In the book by the same name, Ben actually doesn't pay his Amex. He used the card a lot before his death, certain that American Express won't come for the money until after he has passed away and can't collect anything.

[–] cushing2482 11 years ago

It works for me.

[–] WhenGreyjoysCry 11 years ago

He was planning on punching out in four weeks. The myth is AMEX cards don't have a limit as long as you pay off the balance every month, the truth is they do, but in Ben's case, it would be a high limit. Pays off his balance before he goes on his bender, then he can likely charge several thousand dollars in booze of whatever to his card. So with selling his car and his AMEX card, Ben had more than enough money to drink himself to death in four weeks and have a great time doing it.

“There are no ordinary moments. There is always something going on.” – Peaceful Warrior

[–] 11 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Cobram 11 years ago

The Platinum card doesn't have a SET limit. The limit is fluid depending on how much is spent on the card, but as you said, folks thinks this means no limit. I haven't seen the film in a while, but if it was a Platinum, he would have had to clear the previous months balance in order to charge up what I'm guessing would be much more than that balance. The Platinum is a Charge Card, and not a credit card, they have been known to block the card one day after a payment is late if they cannot reach the card holder by phone.

The American Express Black card does not have a limit, but Ben would never have been invited into that exclusive club.

Man without relatives is man without troubles. Charlie Chan

[–] zensixties 11 years ago

CMB said

He was planning on punching out in four weeks. The myth is AMEX cards don't have a limit as long as you pay off the balance every month, the truth is they do, but in Ben's case, it would be a high limit. Pays off his balance before he goes on his bender, then he can likely charge several thousand dollars in booze of whatever to his card. So with selling his car and his AMEX card, Ben had more than enough money to drink himself to death in four weeks and have a great time doing it.

This makes perfect sense, however it may or may not have been thought of by the writer; director. Best explanation yet though!

For who would bear the whips and scorns of Hollywood... (;-p)

[–] mccoymike 10 years ago

From the OP: "Maybe he didn't know that when you die your debts become cleared automatically."

Say What? Sorry, not even close too true...for one thing if that was true no one over the age of 70 would have any debt....at all...

I hope you are not relying on that happening for your heirs in your estate planning.