Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
Adapted from the novel by John O'Brien, this acclaimed drama follows alcoholic screenwriter Ben Sanderson (Nicolas Cage) as he drinks himself into oblivion in Las Vegas. When Ben meets the beautiful prostitute Sera (Elisabeth Shue), they strike up an unconventional relationship -- one where she can't ask him to curb his drinking, and he can't fault her for her job. Though they offer...
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Release Date: 1995

DVD Release Date: February 6th, 2001

R |1 hr 51 min

Plot Summary

Adapted from the novel by John O'Brien, this acclaimed drama follows alcoholic screenwriter Ben Sanderson (Nicolas Cage) as he drinks himself into oblivion in Las Vegas. When Ben meets the beautiful prostitute Sera (Elisabeth Shue), they strike up an unconventional relationship -- one where she can't ask him to curb his drinking, and he can't fault her for her job. Though they offer each other support, Ben's self-destruction threatens to eclipse their bond.

Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elisabeth Shue, Julian Sands, Richard Lewis, Valeria Golino, Graham Beckel, R. Lee Ermey, Laurie Metcalf

Director: Mike Figgis

Genres: Drama

Production Co: Lumiere Productions

Keywords: Emotional, Fall, 1990s, Love

Cast & Crew

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Ratings & Reviews

100
Roger EbertChicago Sun-Times
Cage and Shue make these cliches into unforgettable people. show more
88
Mr. Showbiz
Leaving Las Vegas may not be a top choice for an upbeat outing, but there's something oddly poetic about the simplicity of Ben's mission and Sera's acceptance of it. show more
100
Rick GroenThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)
At best, Leaving Las Vegas is pure alchemy -- it makes of flawed humanity a hymn, and of forlorn hope a beacon. show more

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com

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