Spring Break
Documentary exposes intense life of American hero
Alysson Cwyk
Issue date: 7/11/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
What constitutes distinguishing someone as an American hero? Must they lead their country? Fight for their country? Or even die for their country? At this time in the United States, we sometimes overlook the individuals who have represented our nation with the highest honor and respect and only look to what is directly displayed in front of our eyes.
Magnolia Pictures released a documentary July 4 showcasing one of the most underappreciated American heroes of the 20th century, Hunter S. Thompson. "GONZO: The Life and Works of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson" uses interviews, home movies, and never-before-seen footage of the late journalist's highs, lows, accomplishments and downright insane feats to present the truthful story of one of the most patriotic individuals to ever inhabit the country.
Best known as the author of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream," Thompson placed himself into all of his stories, interjecting a strong sense of reality into his works. Riding with the Hells Angels motorcycle club, following the presidential campaign of 1972 and running for sheriff of Aspen all created engaging stories through Thompson's unique journalistic style. Writing for Rolling Stone magazine and other national publications allowed Thompson to project his method of writing to the American public all the way up until his unfortunate, self-induced death in 2005.
Stretching the truth, throwing in some profanity, writing in the first person and adding sarcastic elements essentially made up "Gonzo Journalism," a term popularized by Thompson. Oscar and Emmy-winning director Alex Gibney successfully captures Thompson's creativity in "GONZO: The Life and Works of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson" and demonstrates how passionate Thompson was with his work as well as his country.
This is the kind of film I wish I could have seen in a high-school U.S. History class, in order to better understand the '60s, '70s and hot times of Thompson's greatest works. The honest, yet nearly two-hour long, documentary represents Thompson in an extremely true and sincere light, showing rare footage of the great "Dr. Gonzo" and even incorporating interviews from close family and friends. Ex-wives, Rolling Stone editors, former U.S. presidents, and beachy singer-songwriters all add stories from their memories spent with the late writer. Johnny Depp, who was a dear friend of Thompson and played his character in the 1998 film "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," also narrates the film.
Through his love for drugs, booze, women and guns, Thompson may seem like a crazy fool to the average person walking down the street, but his involvement in politics and releasing stories to the public made Thompson an important American icon. He was the first person to tackle odd stories, get to the center of them and help readers engage and understand what was actually taking place in their nation. His witty contributions intensified new journalism. With documentaries like "GONZO: The Life and Works of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson," we can never forget this American hero.
"GONZO: The Life and Works of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson" is now playing in select theaters nationwide. Visit www.huntersthompsonmovie.com to find out showtimes as well as more information about the film.
Magnolia Pictures released a documentary July 4 showcasing one of the most underappreciated American heroes of the 20th century, Hunter S. Thompson. "GONZO: The Life and Works of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson" uses interviews, home movies, and never-before-seen footage of the late journalist's highs, lows, accomplishments and downright insane feats to present the truthful story of one of the most patriotic individuals to ever inhabit the country.
Best known as the author of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream," Thompson placed himself into all of his stories, interjecting a strong sense of reality into his works. Riding with the Hells Angels motorcycle club, following the presidential campaign of 1972 and running for sheriff of Aspen all created engaging stories through Thompson's unique journalistic style. Writing for Rolling Stone magazine and other national publications allowed Thompson to project his method of writing to the American public all the way up until his unfortunate, self-induced death in 2005.
Stretching the truth, throwing in some profanity, writing in the first person and adding sarcastic elements essentially made up "Gonzo Journalism," a term popularized by Thompson. Oscar and Emmy-winning director Alex Gibney successfully captures Thompson's creativity in "GONZO: The Life and Works of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson" and demonstrates how passionate Thompson was with his work as well as his country.
This is the kind of film I wish I could have seen in a high-school U.S. History class, in order to better understand the '60s, '70s and hot times of Thompson's greatest works. The honest, yet nearly two-hour long, documentary represents Thompson in an extremely true and sincere light, showing rare footage of the great "Dr. Gonzo" and even incorporating interviews from close family and friends. Ex-wives, Rolling Stone editors, former U.S. presidents, and beachy singer-songwriters all add stories from their memories spent with the late writer. Johnny Depp, who was a dear friend of Thompson and played his character in the 1998 film "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," also narrates the film.
Through his love for drugs, booze, women and guns, Thompson may seem like a crazy fool to the average person walking down the street, but his involvement in politics and releasing stories to the public made Thompson an important American icon. He was the first person to tackle odd stories, get to the center of them and help readers engage and understand what was actually taking place in their nation. His witty contributions intensified new journalism. With documentaries like "GONZO: The Life and Works of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson," we can never forget this American hero.
"GONZO: The Life and Works of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson" is now playing in select theaters nationwide. Visit www.huntersthompsonmovie.com to find out showtimes as well as more information about the film.
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