Review of Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (2008) by Chip V — 19 Dec 2008

I couldn't get through Breakfast with Hunter. It was too real, too much of Hunter in his waning years. Harsh video footage can destroy any icon. For examples of what I mean, look at The Charles Bukowski Tapes.

This decorated, well-financed documentary style by Best Documentary Oscar-winner Alex Gibney takes that footage of Hunter as crazy backwoods introvert and adds proper dimension to his story.

Although Gibney throws the obvious Creedence Clearwater Revival music under elements of the story set in the tumultuous late 60's, he succeeds in avoiding an entirely cartoonish portrayal of Hunter and his accomplishments.

Let's face it- Hunter, like so many artists can sometimes come off as a child trying to define and simplify the world around him. In that frightening persuit -that too few can endure- he manages to make observations that resonate today as much as they did when Hunter typed them out.