Review of Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (2008) by Matt E — 07 Dec 2008

A very well made documentary. It's nice to see that in a world where only Michael Moore reigns supreme, someone else has made a documentary that has relevance and spice. Director Alex Gibney places raw footage of the mad genius/journalist and splices it with interviews from those who knew him.

Combine that with a killer soundtrack, and you've got a fitting tribute to a man who deserves one. Thompson revolutionized journalism, and wrote the best selling drug odyssey Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

When he committed suicide in 2005, he had his ashes fired out of a catapult, which the movie shows. The narration done by long-time admirer/apprentice Johnny Depp is mesmerizing. Only Thompson himself could say his excerpt readings better.

If you don't know who Hunter Thompson is, this is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to him. You may not see what the big deal is behind him at first, but as the movie progresses you may find that this was one ride that was worth buying the ticket for.