Nicolas Cage stars as a suicidal alcoholic in Los Angeles who, having lost his family and been recently fired, has decided to move to Las Vegas and drink himself to death. “Leaving Las Vegas” was the fourth single from Sheryl Crow’s debut album and the first one to go Platinum (selling a million copies.) On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received an approval rating of 91% based on 53 reviews, with an average rating of 7.66/10. It charted within the top 60 in the United States and the top 30 in Canada. Australian and UK editions later were released. How often do the SAG Awards go 4/4 with the Oscars? Sera begs Ben to see a doctor, which makes him furious. 27 October 1995; 12 songs; Follow. Ben Sanderson is an alcoholic Hollywood screenwriter who has lost his job, family, and friends. A nun, while comforting a convicted killer on death row, empathizes with both the killer and his victim's families. The performances are absolutely astounding: Nicholas Cage delivers one of the most unforgettable, genuine, and human performances ever captured on film (a well-deserved Oscar for every reason), and Elisabeth Shue, as his soul provider and protector through the trauma of his alcoholic turmoil is sentimental, passionate, and definitely deserving of the Oscar for Best Actress in 1995, providing us with the eye of Ben Sanderson's heart and soul, as his equally troubled lover who has pledged to stay with him through tears and trials. Those who found it too extreme were simply lucky enough never to have arrived there themselves. Sera, a prostitute, and Ben, an alcoholic, stumble together and discover in each other a respite from their unforgiving lives. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Most people instantly think of the two stars of the film, Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue, when considering the movie, but did you know it is based on a semi-autobiographical novel from 1990? With nothing left to live for, and a sizable severance check from his boss, he heads to Las Vegas to drink himself to death. Once there, he develops a romantic relationship with a pretty, but hardened prostitute (Elisabeth Shue). At first, the pair are happy, but soon become frustrated with the other's behavior. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? On his second day in Las Vegas, Ben goes looking for Sera, introduces himself and offers her $500 to come to his room for an hour. Film acting is a learning experience about how to get over that, but I don't know that you ever really do. It is also a sad, trembling portrait of the final stages of alcoholism. [13] Leonard Klady from Variety wrote Leaving Las Vegas was "certainly among a scant handful of films that have taken an unflinching view of dependency". The film received critical acclaim and has become a favorite among movie buffs. Another "[7] Cage researched by binge drinking in Dublin for two weeks and had a friend videotape him so he could study his speech. "Leaving Las Vegas" is a song written by David Baerwald and performed by Sheryl Crow that appears on Crow's debut album Tuesday Night Music Club. While Sera is working, Ben goes to a casino and returns with another prostitute. Nicolas Cage stars as a suicidal alcoholic who has ended his personal and professional life to drink himself to death in Las Vegas. A version of "Lonely Teardrops" performed by Michael McDonald that features in the film is not included. View credits, reviews, tracks and shop for the 1995 CD release of "Leaving Las Vegas (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" on Discogs. 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