Review of Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (2008) by Doug H — 21 Jul 2008

This documentary plays sort of like a "greatest hits" compilation of the legendary journalist's notorious antics (the "Fear and Loathing" adventures, going undercover with the Hell's Angels, campaigning for McGovern) , but its biggest flaw is that it never really goes into great depth about the demons that drove Hunter S.

Thompson to his outrageous lifestyle and eventual suicide. Despite interviews with most of his fans and loved ones, he remains vague and elusive. There's a great story somewhere about what led a promising journalist to embrace a drugged-up, gun-toting persona, but it's nowhere to be found in this somewhat underwhelming documentary.

Diehard Thompson fans should seek it out, but the uninitiated will gain more insight from reading his books.