When two end-of-the-road outcasts meet in possibly the least romantic city in America, somehow one would expect them to better each other and start a new leaf with the power of love. But this is not that kind of story. In fact, one sentiment that I usually hear about this movie is that Ben and Sera are so tender because they accept each other for who the other person is. No, they don't. They may lie at first, but as the movie clearly showcases, he despises that she is a prostitute, and she can't stand his drinking. And this prodigious motif of mutual self-delusion about them being non-judgmental because they have no leg to judge on is the central tragedy in this case. Conversely, I don't know why the pimp was in the movie. Maybe it's some kind of meta-writing piece where the story tries to show that there are really no obstacles for them to be with each other, yet their relationship is still doomed.
The atmosphere is top-notch. Blaring the jazz serenades that suit Las Vegas so well, it really transforms the entire thing into a never-ending lounge bar session at 3 in the morning.
And what's there to say about performances that hasn't already been said? They are both astonishing. Even if Cage has a few of his overacting moments, the facade of a jokesmith that treats his proclaimed intent for suicide with hundreds of ironic and self-deprecating remarks fits this style of acting so well that it does not matter in the end.
The atmosphere is top-notch. Blaring the jazz serenades that suit Las Vegas so well, it really transforms the entire thing into a never-ending lounge bar session at 3 in the morning.
And what's there to say about performances that hasn't already been said? They are both astonishing. Even if Cage has a few of his overacting moments, the facade of a jokesmith that treats his proclaimed intent for suicide with hundreds of ironic and self-deprecating remarks fits this style of acting so well that it does not matter in the end.