Movies - TV
Hunter S. Thompson Was Hard To Handle During His Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas Cameo
By WITNEY SEIBOLD
Terry Gilliam’s 1998 film “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” based on Hunter S. Thompson’s novel of the same name, follows Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro) in their drug-fueled journey through Las Vegas. The film features many recognizable actors in small parts, including the author himself in a critical flashback scene.
While Thompson’s inclusion was a fun nod to the author, Gilliam revealed how difficult the famed journalist made production. Gilliam described Thompson’s day on set as “Horrible. Because Hunter has to be the center of attention. And there we were — Harry Dean Stanton was there that day, and Hunter was throwing bread rolls around the set all the time.”
The director needed to bribe Thompson to cooperate, saying, “And finally we had to get him in for his scene. I put the best-looking of all the female extras on his table, and [whoosh], there he was.” “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” is one of only two times Thompson appeared on screen as an actor, though he has been an interviewee in over 20 documentary films.