Exploring the Other Side of Las Vegas in Film
Las Vegas is often portrayed as a glittering oasis of glamour, casinos, and nightlife in popular cinema. Iconic films like Ocean’s Eleven, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and Leaving Las Vegas have showcased the city’s allure, but there’s a different narrative lurking in the shadows of the Strip. Over the past few months, I’ve delved into a selection of films that peel back the layers of this vibrant city, revealing a grittier, more complex side of Las Vegas. Let’s take a closer look at these cinematic explorations that venture beyond the neon lights.
The Gauntlet
In The Gauntlet, Clint Eastwood stars as a beleaguered cop tasked with transporting a key witness from Las Vegas to Phoenix. This film diverges from the typical glitzy portrayal of the city, instead immersing viewers in the dusty outskirts where chaos reigns. The witness’s home is riddled with bullets, and the narrative unfolds amidst crooked cops and mafia intrigue. The film’s over-the-top ethos is captured perfectly in Frank Frazetta’s poster art, which hints at the wild ride that awaits. This gritty action flick is a reminder that Las Vegas is not just about the Strip; it’s also about the dangers lurking just beyond the bright lights.
Queen of Diamonds
Director Nina Menkes offers a haunting vision of Las Vegas in Queen of Diamonds, where the city is depicted as a surreal desert wasteland filled with broken dreams. The film follows a lonely blackjack dealer navigating her bleak existence, oscillating between her dilapidated apartment and the cacophony of the casino floor. Menkes crafts a narrative that feels more like a half-remembered dream than a straightforward story, evoking a sense of discomfort and introspection. This art house film, available on the Criterion Channel and Kanopy, invites viewers to reflect on the darker aspects of life in a city often celebrated for its excess.
Diamonds Are Forever
Sean Connery’s return as James Bond in Diamonds Are Forever brings the iconic spy to Las Vegas in a film that is as much about the city as it is about the action. With car chases down the Strip and encounters in Howard Hughes-owned hotels, the film captures the essence of 1970s Las Vegas. The character of Willard Whyte, a reclusive casino mogul, serves as a nod to Hughes himself, while memorable henchmen Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd add a layer of campy charm. This Bond film is a quintessential representation of Las Vegas, blending action with the city’s unique character, available for viewing on Pluto TV.
Night of the Running Man
Night of the Running Man is a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase that showcases a different side of Las Vegas. Andrew McCarthy plays a taxi driver who unwittingly steals a briefcase full of stolen money, leading to a relentless pursuit by the menacing Scott Glenn. The film captures the less glamorous aspects of the city, featuring trailer parks, diners, and off-Strip casinos. This gritty thriller, available on Prime Video, emphasizes the contrast between the city’s glitzy image and the reality faced by its inhabitants.
The Electric Horseman
In The Electric Horseman, Robert Redford portrays a washed-up rodeo star turned corporate spokesperson who finds himself in Las Vegas for a promotional event. The film’s most memorable scene features Redford riding a horse through a casino, a striking image that juxtaposes the wild spirit of the rodeo with the sterile environment of the casino floor. The soundtrack, blending Willie Nelson with disco, further emphasizes the film’s thematic contradictions. This unique take on Las Vegas is available on HBO Max and showcases the city’s ability to surprise and entertain.
The Las Vegas Hillbillys
For a more obscure yet entertaining experience, The Las Vegas Hillbillys offers a lighthearted romp through the city. Primarily a vehicle for country music performances, the film features appearances from stars like Connie Francis and Richard Kiel. The narrative, which revolves around inheriting a casino and turning it into a country venue, serves as a backdrop for musical numbers and comedic antics. This film is a delightful exploration of Las Vegas’s cultural tapestry, showcasing the city’s connection to country music and its quirky charm.
Crazy Mama
Jonathan Demme’s Crazy Mama features Cloris Leachman leading a trio of women on a crime spree that takes them through Las Vegas. The film is a vibrant exploration of Americana, filled with mischief and mayhem as the characters confront figures from their past. With a killer soundtrack and a keen eye for offbeat humor, Crazy Mama captures the chaotic spirit of Las Vegas in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s available on Tubi and Pluto TV for those looking to explore this unique narrative.
Viva Las Vegas
No exploration of Las Vegas in film would be complete without mentioning Viva Las Vegas, starring Elvis Presley. This classic features stunning visuals of 1963 Las Vegas, showcasing the city’s lush casinos and vibrant atmosphere. The film oscillates between the parched desert outskirts and the lively casino scene, creating a dynamic viewing experience. The iconic title song and dazzling opening credits set the tone for a film that celebrates the spirit of Las Vegas while also hinting at the complexities beneath its surface. You can catch this classic on HBO Max.
Honorable Mentions
While the films mentioned above provide a diverse look at Las Vegas, One From the Heart by Francis Ford Coppola deserves an honorable mention. Although primarily filmed on soundstages, it captures the fantastical essence of Las Vegas, blending reality with a stylized vision that reflects the city’s allure.
Through these films, we can appreciate the multifaceted nature of Las Vegas, a city that is as much about its hidden depths as it is about its surface glitz. Each film offers a unique perspective, inviting viewers to explore the less glamorous corners of this iconic destination.