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In GONZO: THE LIFE AND WORK OF DR. HUNTER S. THOMPSON, director Alex Gibney (TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE) creates a portrait of one of journalism's most controversial and talented superstars. Famous in the 1960s for his wild, self-coined "gonzo" style of reporting, Thompson's most famous adventures include riding with the Hell's Angels, chasing the American dream in Las Vegas, and covering the volatile George McGovern political campaign. The fact that Thompson did most of his reporting while throwing back large quantities of Wild Turkey and illegal drugs led to some of the most bizarre and imaginative journalism the writing world had ever seen. Gibney pieces Thompson's life together using archival footage and recordings and interviews with those closest to him, including his former wives and son, and the artist Ralph Steadman. There are also appearances and commentary from the likes of Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner, as well as conservative heavyweight Pat Buchanan. Johnny Depp, who played Thompson in the film version of FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, provides the voice of Thompson, reading excerpts of his writings. The result is an engaging, lively biography that paints a life that was as tragic as it was passion-filled. Thompson's suicide in 2005 officially cemented his place in history as one of literature's wildest, most enigmatic hell-raisers.
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"[A] mesmerizing look at the mythic quality and anarchic spirit of the irreverent and rabble-rousing journalist..."
- Claudia Puig, USA Today
"GONZO, directed by Alex Gibney, is filled to the top with admiring celebrities -- including Wolfe, singer Jimmy Buffett, and politicians such as former president Jimmy Carter and presidential candidate George McGovern -- offering encomiums to Thompson's talent."
- Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
"GONZO is a fascinating history lesson and a bit of a cautionary tale -- about the corrosive effects of rampant drug use, yes, but more about how fame can turn into the scourge of talent."
- A. O. Scott, New York Times
"This documentary by Alex Gibney taps the full fascination of its subject....Gibney devotes exhaustive sections to Thompson's journalistic landmarks, as well as to his 1969 candidacy mayor of Aspen..." -- Grade: A-
- Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
4 stars out of 5 -- "Gibney craftily interweaves archive footage, a rocking soundtrack, face-to-faces with an amazing range of interviewees and Thompson's audio tapes, so that the subject is also the narrator."
- Angie Errigo, Empire
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