What Happens in Vegas? C. Qualls
The 2016 psychological thriller film "What Happens in Vegas" starring Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher was a moderate box office success and has become a cult classic among thriller fans. The movie follows the story of a young woman named Dawn Shaw (Diaz) who travels to Las Vegas for a weekend with her boyfriend, Pete Dunham (Kutcher), a video game designer. As the weekend progresses, Dawn becomes increasingly concerned about Pete’s increasingly erratic behavior, leading her to question whether their relationship is genuine or if Pete is pulling the wool over her eyes.
Act I: The Weekend
The movie opens with Dawn, a successful businesswoman, packing her bags and saying goodbye to her family at McCarran International Airport. She heads to Las Vegas, where she meets Pete, a charming and handsome video game designer, at the Flamingo Hotel. Pete is immediately smitten with Dawn and invites her to join him for a weekend of gaming and fun.
- Key Relationship Dynamics:
- Dawn: the protagonist, a successful businesswoman with a seemingly perfect life.
- Pete: the object of Dawn’s affections, a charming and confident video game designer.
- The Relationship: a romantic partnership with an element of infatuation.
Act II: The Reality Revealed
As the weekend progresses, Dawn becomes increasingly concerned about Pete’s behavior, which includes sudden mood swings, erratic demands, and a growing sense of possessiveness. Despite her reservations, Dawn is drawn to Pete’s charismatic personality and the thrill of their relationship.
- Red Flags:
- Pete’s increasing possessiveness and jealousy.
- His sudden mood swings and erratic behavior.
- His demands for Dawn to follow him everywhere.
Act III: The Truth Revealed
As Dawn delves deeper into Pete’s past, she discovers a web of deceit and manipulation that threatens to destroy their relationship. Pete is not who he claims to be, and his actions are a result of a traumatic event in his past.
- The Twist:
- Pete is not a video game designer, but a former soldier with a dark past.
- His marriage to Dawn is a sham, and he is using her for his own gain.
- The trauma has left Pete with emotional scars, leading to his behavior.
Act IV: The Aftermath
Dawn finally gathers the courage to confront Pete about his actions, but he breaks her heart, leaving her with a lasting emotional scar. As she tries to process the trauma, Dawn realizes that her feelings for Pete were all based on a lie.
- Lesson Learned:
- The importance of being cautious in relationships.
- The dangers of getting caught up in infatuation.
- The need to prioritize one’s own emotional well-being.
C. Qualls as a Cultural Icon
C. Qualls, the cinematographer and director of "What Happens in Vegas," is a master of atmosphere and mood. His use of lighting and camera angles creates a sense of unease and tension, making the audience feel like they are trapped in Dawn’s living room.
- Cinematic Techniques:
- The use of close-ups and medium shots to create a sense of intimacy and isolation.
- The use of long takes to create a sense of realism and immediacy.
- The use of color and lighting to create a sense of unease and tension.
Conclusion
"What Happens in Vegas" is a thought-provoking thriller that explores the complexities of human relationships and the dangers of getting caught up in infatuation. The movie’s use of atmospheric cinematography and clever plot twists makes it a cult classic among thriller fans. While the movie may have a number of flaws, its themes and characters remain thought-provoking and relatable, making it a must-see for anyone interested in psychological thrillers.
Additional Stats:
- Budget: $23 million
- Box Office: $79 million worldwide
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 45%
- Metacritic Score: 47
- IMDb Rating: 5.7/10