Gonzo: The Life And Work Of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (2008) Synopsis:
"Gonzo" is the definitive film biography of a mythic American writer, particularly covering his most provocative and productive period from 1965 to 1975. His wicked words continue to resonate today, at a time when politicians have become manufactured celebrities, shrouding themselves in Teflon, issuing banalities whose only value is that they rarely offend. Too often, contemporary journalists play the politicians' game, taking them seriously with a balance they don't deserve. Thompson never stood for that. He understood, better than any other, that when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.
"Gonzo" is a three-dimensional portrait with a focus on Thompson's work, whose legendary status is due as much to his scintillating writing as his outrageous antics. A die-hard member of the NRA, Thompson was also a coke-snorting, whiskey-swilling, acid-eating fiend. While his pen dripped with venom for crooked politicians, he surprised nervous visitors with the courtly manners and soft-spoken delivery of a Southern gentleman. Careening out of control in his personal life, Thompson also maintained a steel-eyed conviction about righting wrongs. Today, in a time when "spin" has replaced the search for deeper meaning, Thompson remains an iconic crusader for truth, justice and a fiercely idealistic American way.
Gonzo: The Life And Work Of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (2008) Movie Review:
For anyone who knows even an ounce about the late journalist Hunter S. Thompson, you know he was fueled by his unusual talent for writing, a bizarre imagination, and a terrifying amount of drugs. This documentary is a portrait of his life and his most famous years, 1965-1975.
The film, just like Thompson himself, is a reach into the imagination, paired with interview commentaries from those who knew him or at the least knew of him, including President Jimmy Carter and singer Jimmy Buffet. His ex-wife, Sandy Conklin Thompson (now Sondi Wright) and their son Juan Fitzgerald Thompson both appeared in the film as interviewees to enclose personal details about the writer. Other stock footage and home movies are an eye-opener for the audience as we glimpse into the real life of Hunter S. Thompson.
Thompson has become known as one of the most influential writers in America; from riding around with a motorcycle gang to smoking a joint with police officials, it’s easy to see why he has become so notorious. Even those who had grown to hate him over the years, including one of the Hell’s Angels, they couldn’t deny that his writings were something of a legend.
Many agree that Thompson had somewhat of a split personality. Though his caring and passionate side would peak as he cared for his family and wrote intensely about what he believed in, his dark and crazy side would sporadically take over. He was a bit of a mad man when he wanted to be, a gun-loving anarchist with a hefty appetite for alcohol and acid.
The most interesting part of this documentary is to see some of this insane footage of Thompson. At times he would look disturbingly calm, as though a storm were about to break. Other clips would show the storm through a series of angry obscenities. Excerpts of his descriptive gonzo writings are narrated by Johnny Depp throughout the film, including pieces from his novel “Hell’s Angels” as well as his most famous novel “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.”
Director Gibney has a knack for attention-grabbing documentaries as seen in his other works including “Taxi to the Dark Side,” an Oscar winner for Best Documentary and “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room,” which was nominated in the same category. Gibney’s genius in this film was to let Thompson’s infamous past and strange writings lead his fascinating story.
The subject matter of the film is sort of an acquired taste, especially with the intense commentary on politics, drugs, sex, and just the overall culture of the late 60s and early 70s. Footage of rallies and rebellions along with a psychedelic rock soundtrack really work to bring the audience back to the time and place in which Hunter S. Thompson was inspired to begin his gonzo writings.
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Gonzo: The Life And Work Of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (2008) review written by: Jillian Lynes
12th October, 2008 
