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Mike Figgis Discusses "Leaving Las Vegas" and John O'Brien.

British film director and screenwriter Mike Figgis. His latest film is "Leaving Las Vegas." The film is based on the novel by John O'Brien. Figgis wrote the screenplay. Shortly after the film went into production, O'Brien killed himself. His father said that the book was O'Brien's suicide note. In the film an alcoholic named Ben, played by Nicholas Cage, goes to Las Vegas to end his life in a final binge. He meets and falls in love with a prostitute and they form a desperate bond. FIGGIS also directed "Stormy Monday," (which he wrote and scored), and "Internal Affairs." (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW).

44:42
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Other segments from the episode on December 5, 1995

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, December 5, 1995: Interview with Mike Figgis; Review of D'Angelo's and R. Kelly's albums "Brown Sugar" and "R. Kelly."
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06:35

R&B Is Back, This Time with a Harder Edge.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Brown Sugar" (EMI label) the debut album by the singer named D'Angelo and "R. Kelly" (Jive records) by the rapper R. Kelly. Both are R&B albums.

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18:06

Director Mike Figgis.

British film director Mike Figgis. He wrote and directed the film, "Stormy Monday," starring Melanie Griffith, and directed the new movie, "Internal Affairs," starring Richard Gere and Andy Garcia

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