Scripts
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas poster

1971

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas script

Journalist Raoul Duke and attorney Dr. Gonzo travel to Las Vegas to cover a motorcycle race, quickly succumbing to a drug-fueled spiral of hallucinations and paranoia. Their initial assignment is overshadowed by excessive drug use, leading to bizarre encounters and a growing detachment from reality. After fleeing the Mint Hotel, they return to Las Vegas for a narcotics conference, escalating their erratic behavior by terrorizing a district attorney and encountering a young girl. Their drug-induced escapades culminate in a trashed hotel room, a supermarket rampage, and Duke's final attempt to make sense of their experiences before they depart Las Vegas.

Writer
Terry Gilliam & Tony Grisoni
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt0120669
Script date
1971
89Scenes
6Characters
10Pages
1Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Save the Cat analysis

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas follows journalist Raoul Duke and lawyer Gonzo as they embark on a drug-fueled trip to Las Vegas.

Open full beat sheet
35

Key characters

Raoul Duke

Raoul Duke is listed as Journalist. A Doctor of Journalism, drug-addled, paranoid, and intense. In the parsed data, Raoul Duke is connected to 80 scenes, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

80 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Dr. Gonzo

Dr. Gonzo is listed as Attorney. Samoan, swarthy, unpredictable, and prone to violent outbursts. In the parsed data, Dr. Gonzo is connected to 54 scenes, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

54 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

UNKNOWN

UNKNOWN is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, UNKNOWN is connected to 33 scenes, 576 dialogue lines, first appearing around scene 1.

33 scenes / 576 dialogue lines

Lucy

Lucy is listed as Groupie. A young, religious girl who paints portraits of Barbra Streisand. In the parsed data, Lucy is connected to 6 scenes, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.

6 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Hitchhiker

Hitchhiker is listed as Hitchhiker. A young, naive hitchhiker picked up by Duke and Gonzo. In the parsed data, Hitchhiker is connected to 4 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.

4 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Lacerda

Lacerda is listed as Photographer. A Portuguese photographer assigned to work with Duke. In the parsed data, Lacerda is connected to 3 scenes, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 19.

3 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. EXT. ON THE ROAD TO LAS VEGAS

    Duke and Gonzo are speeding down the highway, fueled by drugs and alcohol, with Duke hallucinating bats.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  2. 1. INT. FLAMINGO HOTEL SUITE

    Duke stares at a knife while remembering a frantic moment with Gonzo.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  3. 2. EXT. FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD TO LAS VEGAS

    Gonzo takes the wheel, and the pair picks up a hitchhiker.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo, Hitchhiker

  4. 2. EXT. ROAD ON OUTSKIRTS OF LAS VEGAS

    Duke and Gonzo speed through an intersection; Duke reflects on their excessive behavior.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  5. 3. EXT. EVEN FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD TO LAS VEGAS

    Tensions rise with the hitchhiker as Duke tries to explain their mission.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo, Hitchhiker

  6. 3. EXT. ROAD ON OUTSKIRTS OF LAS VEGAS

    Duke brakes suddenly upon seeing Lucy on the road.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo, Lucy

  7. 4. INT. THE BEVERLY WILLS HOTEL POGO LOUNGE

    Duke and Gonzo receive instructions to go to Las Vegas.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  8. 4. EXT. DESERT ROAD OUTSIDE LAS VEGAS

    The duo navigates across the desert towards the airport via unconventional means.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  9. 5. EXT. BEVERLY WILLS HOTEL

    The pair leaves for the trip.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  10. 5. EXT. AT THE AIRPLANE

    Duke drops Gonzo off at the airplane.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  11. 6. INT. POLYNESIAN BAR

    Duke and Gonzo secure their transport and equipment.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  12. 6. INT. FLAMINGO HOTEL SUITE/APOCALYPSE

    Duke writes about the end of the 60s while his surroundings turn into a wasteland.

    Raoul Duke

  13. 7. EXT. SUNSET BLVD - TRAFFIC JAM

    The pair encounters a fatal accident.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  14. 7. EXT. DESERT HIGHWAY

    Duke continues his drive back to L.A.

    Raoul Duke

  15. 8. INT. HARDWARE BARN - BAKER, CALIFORNIA

    Duke stops for ale and interacts with the proprietor.

    Raoul Duke

  16. 9. EXT. HARDWARE BARN

    Duke takes amyl nitrite and speeds away.

    Raoul Duke

  17. 11. CAR RENTAL AGENCY

    Duke and Gonzo rent a Red Shark and display erratic behavior.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  18. 12. RUNDOWN BEACH HOUSE

    Duke and Gonzo pack for their trip after taking mescaline.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  19. 13. PACIFIC OCEAN

    Duke and Gonzo float in the ocean while Duke contemplates the nature of their trip.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  20. 14. ROAD TO LAS VEGAS

    Duke and Gonzo pick up a hitchhiker and consume amyls.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo, Hitchhiker

  21. 15. ROAD TO LAS VEGAS

    Duke and Gonzo continue driving and consume acid.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  22. 16. MINT HOTEL

    Duke and Gonzo arrive at the Mint Hotel.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  23. 17. HOTEL LOBBY

    Duke and Gonzo check into the hotel while facing hallucinations.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  24. 18. NAUTICAL BAR

    Duke hallucinates reptiles while waiting at the hotel bar.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  25. 19. MINT HOTEL SUITE

    Duke and Gonzo are in their suite and meet Lacerda.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo, Lacerda

  26. 20. DESERT

    Duke wanders the pit area of the race.

    Raoul Duke

  27. 21. INT. RACE BAR TENT

    Duke converses with a reporter at the bar while the Mint 400 race begins outside.

    Raoul Duke

  28. 22. EXT. DESERT

    The motorcycles start the race and head into the desert.

  29. 23. INT. RACE BAR TENT

    Duke returns to the bar with the crowd between groups.

    Raoul Duke

  30. 24. EXT. DESERT

    Group 2 starts the race.

  31. 25. INT. RACE BAR TENT

    Duke avoids the crowd for Group 3 and talks to a hoodlum.

    Raoul Duke

  32. 26. EXT. DESERT

    Duke joins Lacerda in the Bronco to chase the race.

    Raoul Duke, Lacerda

  33. 27. EXT. LAS VEGAS STREETS

    Duke and Gonzo cruise through Las Vegas.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  34. 28. EXT. DESERT ROOM HOTEL

    Duke and Gonzo arrive at the Desert Inn.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  35. 29. INT. DESERT ROOM HOTEL LOBBY

    Duke and Gonzo attempt to get into the Debbie Reynolds show.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  36. 31. EXT. LAS VEGAS STREETS

    Duke and Gonzo drive through the night in a state of drug-fueled hysteria until Gonzo discovers a tear in his jacket and becomes aggressive.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  37. 32. EXT. BAZOOKO CIRCUS

    Duke and Gonzo arrive at the Bazooko Circus, discussing the lack of effect from their mescaline.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  38. 33. EXT. BAZOOKO CIRCUS CASINO

    Duke and Gonzo struggle to enter the casino while under the influence of ether.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  39. 34. INT. BAZOOKO CIRCUS CASINO

    Duke and Gonzo navigate the chaotic and surreal casino environment.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  40. 35. INT. BAZOOKO CIRCUS REVOLVING MERRY-GO-ROUND BAR

    Gonzo struggles with the fear while on a revolving bar, leading to tension and a plan to leave.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  41. 36. EXT. BAZOOKO CIRCUS CASINO

    Duke and Gonzo exit the circus, heading back to their hotel.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  42. 37. INT. MINT HOTEL CORRIDOR

    Duke and Gonzo scramble back to their suite.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  43. 38. INT. MINT HOTEL SUITE

    Inside the suite, Gonzo's paranoia over Lacerda peaks as he destroys a grapefruit.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  44. 39. INT. ELEVATOR

    A flashback showing a past confrontation between Duke, Gonzo, Lacerda, and a TV crew.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo, Lacerda, Lucy

  45. 40. INT. CORRIDOR

    Duke and Gonzo run down the hotel corridor after the elevator incident.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  46. 41. INT. MINT HOTEL SUITE

    Duke and Gonzo crash into the suite and bolt the door after a flashback.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  47. 42. INT. MINT HOTEL SUITE

    Gonzo, armed with a knife, grows suspicious of Duke while slicing grapefruit.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  48. 43. INT. CASINO/LOBBY MINT HOTEL

    Duke navigates the casino lobby and observes the crowd while betting.

    Raoul Duke

  49. 44. INT. MINT HOTEL SUITE / BATHROOM

    Duke confronts a heavily drugged Gonzo in the bathroom; tension escalates over a radio and a knife.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  50. 45. INT. MINT HOTEL SUITE

    A final confrontation involving mace ensues before Duke attempts to sleep.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  51. 46. INT. MATRIX CLUB

    Duke recalls a flashback to his time at the Matrix Club in San Francisco.

    Raoul Duke

  52. 47. INT. MATRIX MEN'S ROOM

    Duke recalls an incident where he and a musician consumed LSD from his sleeve.

    Raoul Duke

  53. 51. INT. MINT HOTEL SUITE

    Duke contemplates his memories of San Francisco and the current state of his trip while looking out at Las Vegas.

    Raoul Duke

  54. 52. INT. MINT HOTEL SUITE

    Duke closes the curtain after viewing a hallucination of a Nazi over the skyline.

    Raoul Duke

  55. 53. INT. MINT HOTEL SUITE

    Duke decides to flee the hotel, finding Gonzo gone and his own financial situation desperate.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  56. 54. EXT. LAS VEGAS AIRPORT / INT. CORRIDOR / INT. MINT HOTEL ELEVATOR

    Duke flees the hotel while Gonzo departs the city.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  57. 55. INT. MINT HOTEL LOBBY / EXT. MINT HOTEL

    Duke attempts to escape the hotel but is stopped by the Clerk regarding a telegram.

    Raoul Duke

  58. 56. EXT. MINT HOTEL

    Duke successfully manages to deflect the Clerk's questions and drives away.

    Raoul Duke

  59. 61. EXT. ROAD OUT OF VEGAS

    Duke drives the Red Shark out of Las Vegas, experiencing paranoia and avoiding a police pursuit by maneuvering through an exit ramp.

    Raoul Duke

  60. 62. EXT. SCENIC PICNIC AREA

    The highway patrolman confronts Duke; Duke talks his way out of trouble and the cop suggests a nap in Baker.

    Raoul Duke

  61. 63. EXT. DESERT ROAD

    Duke encounters a hitchhiker he recognizes and decides to flee.

    Raoul Duke, Hitchhiker

  62. 64. EXT. BAKER TRUCK STOP / INT. GONZO'S OFFICE

    Duke calls Gonzo in a panic, realizing he missed the telegram regarding his actual assignment.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  63. 71. EXT. DESERT

    Duke stands in the desert alone, firing a .357 Magnum at the ground and reflecting on the Great Magnet.

    Raoul Duke

  64. 72. EXT. ROAD INTO VEGAS

    Duke trades his car for a white Cadillac and reflects on his plan to infiltrate the drug conference.

    Raoul Duke

  65. 73. EXT. FLAMINGO HOTEL

    Duke arrives at the Flamingo Hotel, which is hosting a narcotics conference.

    Raoul Duke

  66. 74. INT. FLAMINGO HOTEL LOBBY

    Duke navigates a lobby full of police officers and checks into his room after a confrontation between a chief and a clerk.

    Raoul Duke

  67. 75. INT. HOTEL FLAMINGO - CORRIDOR

    Duke arrives at his suite.

    Raoul Duke

  68. 76. INT. HOTEL FLAMINGO SUITE

    Duke discovers Gonzo with a teenage girl named Lucy, who is painting portraits of Barbra Streisand.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo, Lucy

  69. 77. INT. HOTEL FLAMINGO - CORRIDOR

    Duke and Gonzo argue about the presence of Lucy and how to get rid of her.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  70. 78. INT. HOTEL FLAMINGO SUITE

    Duke arranges for Lucy to leave the hotel.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo, Lucy

  71. 79. EXT. ON THE STREETS - CAB STAND

    Gonzo and Duke send Lucy away in a cab.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo, Lucy

  72. 80. EXT. LAS VEGAS STREETS

    Duke and Gonzo drive off, discussing their next move.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  73. 81. HOTEL FLAMINGO SUITE - BATHROOM

    Duke and Gonzo prepare to leave while dealing with the aftermath of mescaline use.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  74. 82. HOTEL BALLROOM

    Duke and Gonzo attend a DA's conference on narcotics, feeling completely out of place.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  75. 83. CASINO BAR

    Duke and Gonzo terrorize a District Attorney from Georgia with tall tales of Satan-worshipping addicts.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  76. 84. HOTEL FLAMINGO SUITE

    Duke and Gonzo return to their room to find a message from Lucy, triggering a panicked chain of events.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  77. 85. FANTASY COURT ROOM

    A paranoid hallucination sequence where Duke and Gonzo are tried by Lucy.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo, Lucy

  78. 86. HOTEL FLAMINGO SUITE

    Duke prepares to flee while Gonzo consumes Adrenochrome and hallucinations ensue.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  79. 87. FLAMINGO HOTEL SUITE

    Duke wakes up in a trashed room and discovers they have employed the maid.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

  80. 88. SAFEWAY SUPERMARKET

    Duke and Gonzo wreak havoc at a supermarket while smashing coconuts.

    Raoul Duke, Dr. Gonzo

Dialogue examples

All those pathetically eager acid freaks who thought they could buy Peace and Understanding for three bucks a hit. But their loss and failure is ours too. What Leary took down with him was the central illusion of a whole life-style that he helped create... a generation of permanent cripples, failed seekers, who never understood the essential old-mystic fallacy of the Acid Culture: the desperate assumption that somebody... or at least some force -- is tending the light at the end of the tunnel.

UNKNOWN / Scene 2

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