I feel that it requires multiple viewings to really get a grip on this film. The novel feels more digestible than this film, most likely because a novel allows you the luxury of stepping back and analyzing the content, while a film (especially one such as this) requires that you reserve judgement until its end, lest you lose yourself in it's plot (which, with Fear and Loathing, isn't all that difficult). Duke is probably the most interesting character I've ever seen Depp play, though. And, as always, Del Toro delivers a great performance as a burgeoning psycho.