The Grand Illusion

30th anniversary! New 4K restoration of the director's cut!

Adapted from the novel by John O’Brien, this acclaimed drama follows alcoholic screenwriter Ben Sanderson (Nicolas Cage in an Academy Award-winning performance) as he drinks himself into oblivion in Las Vegas. When Ben meets the beautiful sex worker 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, Ben’s self-destruction threatens to eclipse their bond.

“A uniquely hypnotic and haunting love story sparked by Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue at their career best.” Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

4/4 stars “Leaving Las Vegas is one of the best films of the year, deserving many Academy Award nominations. That such a film gets made is a miracle: One can see how this material could have been softened and compromised, and that would have been wrong. It is a pure, grand gesture.” Roger Ebert