"Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson"

"Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson"

Review by Josh Sullivan and Travis Jensen

Oscar winning director Alex Gibney's new documentary, "Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson," offers a fascinating look into Hunter S. Thompson’s wild and crazy life, which includes personal insight from the author’s family, friends, business associates and various political figures (some friend, some foe). The film also features rare, behind the scenes video footage, audio recordings and photos of Thompson that are not only informative, but also quite entertaining. Thompson was indeed a character, there’s no doubt about that.

Thompson, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 2005, is known for pioneering “Gonzo Journalism,” a style that is written subjectively and often includes the reporter as part of the story. Gonzo tends to blend factual and fictional elements to emphasize an underlying message and engage the reader.

Narrated by Johnny Depp, the film examines some of Thompson’s most revered books and writings, personal and professional relationships with The Hell’s Angels, Rolling Stone Magazine, various political figures and business associates, as well as his fondness for guns, drugs and alcohol, among other highlights.

Nearly half of the film is dedicated to Thompson’s stance and involvement in politics, which includes, but is not limited to, his in-depth coverage of both the 1968 Democratic convention and 1972 presidential campaign, his 1970 candidacy for Pitkin County, CO sheriff (in which Thompson actually almost won), and his role in helping Jimmy Carter secure presidency in 1977.

Oddly, however, there wasn’t any mentioning in the film about Thompson’s early-career stint in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he worked as a journalist for a local newspaper. Check out "The Rum Diary" for that tale. It’s a good one.

All in all, the documentary is a well-balanced account of Thompson's life and work and is definitely worth checking out. The Sonny Barger commentary coupled with the behind-the-scenes footage of Thompson going stark raving mad with gun in hand, wearing nothing but his tighty-whities in the middle of winter merits two thumbs up alone.

"Gonzo" is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian) for drug and sexual content, language and nudity. Check your local theatre for listings.

"If I'd written the truth I knew for the past ten years, about 600 people -- including me -- would be rotting in prison cells from Rio to Seattle today. Absolute truth is a very rare and dangerous commodity in the context of professional journalism." -- Hunter S. Thompson, Rolling Stone, February 15, 1973

Sullivan’s list of essential Hunter Thompson reads:

"Kingdom of Fear"

"Hell’s Angles"

"Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas"

"Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72"

"The Rum Diary"

"Fear and Loathing in America"