Sportswriter Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and his corpulent Samoan attorney, Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) head for Las Vegas with a load of mind-bending pharmaceuticals and herbal remedies - on a savage journey to the heart of the American Dream.

Duke may call it an assignment. Gonzo may believe it's a sacred mission to protect his client. Whatever "it" is, it's moving, and fast.