I'm a huge fan of Hunter S Thompson, but found the film of Fear and Loathing to be a poor substitute for the book, and have wondered ever since whether the "unfilmability" of such craziness is inherent.... Perhaps because one's own mental images will always trump someone else's visual interpretations?
I'm less fond of William Burroughs, but *have* read and enjoyed Naked Lunch and, despite also being a big Cronenberg fan felt very much the same way with this film version. It's "ok" but I was often bored and finding it difficult to ascribe some narrative to it, while enjoying some of the visuals. It's been 40 years since I read the book, so I really don't know how faithful to the book I feel it is but, just like the effect of watching other people get off their faces on something, it really didn't engage me.
Glad I've finally seen it - but not recommended, really.
I'm less fond of William Burroughs, but *have* read and enjoyed Naked Lunch and, despite also being a big Cronenberg fan felt very much the same way with this film version. It's "ok" but I was often bored and finding it difficult to ascribe some narrative to it, while enjoying some of the visuals. It's been 40 years since I read the book, so I really don't know how faithful to the book I feel it is but, just like the effect of watching other people get off their faces on something, it really didn't engage me.
Glad I've finally seen it - but not recommended, really.