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

73

Magnolia Pictures (118 minutes)
and Alex Gibney
Johnny Depp , Jimmy Carter , George McGovern , Pat Buchanan , Jann Wenner , Tom Wolfe , Jimmy Buffett , and Ralph Steadman

Rating: R for drug and sexual content, language and some nudity

Summary: From Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney and producer Graydon Carter comes a probing look into the uncanny life of national treasure and gonzo journalism inventor Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. A fast-moving, wildly entertaining documentary with an iconic soundtrack, the film addresses the major touchstones in Thompson's life--his intense and ill-fated relationship with the Hells Angels, his near-successful bid for the office of sheriff in Aspen in 1970, the notorious story behind the landmark Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, his deep involvement in Senator George McGovern's 1972 presidential campaign, and much more. Narrated by Johnny Depp. (Magnolia Pictures)

Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly:
(91) The movie also captures Thompson's tragedy: the haze of drugs and bad writing that consumed him for no less than his last 30 years.

Kirk Honeycutt
The Hollywood Reporter:
(90) A biographical documentary doesn't get any better than this.

A.O. Scott
The New York Times:
(90) It is to Mr. Gibney’s great credit that while he pays due attention to the outsize, cartoonish celebrity persona Thompson fell back on when his literary powers began to wane, this film concentrates on the bold, innovative journalism that secured Thompson’s reputation and assures his immortality.

Andrew O'Hehir
Salon.com:
(90) Gibney's immensely funny and sad new motion picture Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson -- the "Dr." was a mail-order divinity degree -- is principally intended to rehabilitate Thompson and introduce his work to a new audience.

Pete Vonder Haar
Film Threat:
(90) The July 4th release is fitting, for Thompson was a true patriot. His longstanding association with the counterculture notwithstanding, Thompson loved this country and the things it once stood for, and his voice is sorely missed today, and whether you were a fan of his work or not, you'll find Gonzo well worth your time.

Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times:
(88) It leaves you wondering, how was it that so many people liked this man who does not seem to have liked himself?

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