30th Anniversary Film Festival: Leaving Las Vegas (18)

1995 – Leaving Las Vegas (18) We open the festival with a film which grossed $50 million worldwide, making it a box office success, especially considering its budget of $4 million. Nicholas Cage won the Oscar for Best Lead Actor.Elisabeth Shue (Best Lead Actress) and Mike Figgis (Director and Screenplay) were nominated at the Oscars. Adapted from the novel by John O'Brien, this acclaimed drama follows alcoholic screenwriter Ben Sanderson (Nicolas Cage) as he drinks himself into oblivion in Las Vegas. When Ben meets the beautiful prostitute Sera (Elisabeth Shue), they strike up an unconventional relationship -- one where she can't ask him to curb his drinking, and he can't fault her for her job. Though they offer each other support.But how will it work out? Starring Nicholas Cage; Elisabeth Shue; Julian Sands; Richard Lewis Directed by Mike Figgis Running Time 112 minutes Local Link Mike Figgis – the director – was born in Carlisle. Sponsored by: Marion Bowman ‘One of the best things about Cockermouth is its little cinema. I’m always thrilled when the magic moment arrives - the lights go down, the soundtrack starts and the story begins. Thanks, Kirkgate, for 30 years of amazing films - that’s a story worth celebrating!’