Leaving Las Vegas

"I saw the movie first and thought it was a depressing but beautiful film. The book is a short, beautiful novel, a sad and beautiful love story. Usually, red flags go up for me when I see a Vegas book or movie with a prostitute and a drunk as the two main characters – it’s a bit clichéd and I’m bored with those kind of tales. But there was something different about Leaving Las Vegas . It felt real. The protagonist, Ben, is at least loosely based on O’Brien from what I’ve read about him. He had a drinking problem and I wouldn’t be shocked if he went in a similar way to the character Ben. The novel is sad but there’s something about finishing a beautiful book that leaves you fulfilled in some strange way. That’s how I felt after finishing Leaving Las Vegas . Probably not as important as people think. Vegas has changed over the years – we’re getting more of the typical American couple and even families. They come out here not even necessarily to gamble. Non-gambling revenue recently passed gambling revenue. People are coming out here more for the restaurants, the shows, the shopping and the spectacle of the Strip. But of course alcohol is [often] free if you’re at a slot machine or a gaming table. It still is that place where people come to party."