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
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