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

R

Released Jul 4, 2008

1h 58m

Documentary

List

85%

99 Reviews

Tomatometer

82%

25,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

This stylized documentary uses journalist Hunter S. Thompson's own words, his home movies, interviews with his fans and critics and passionate narration by Johnny Depp to give some insight into the writer's process and edgy genius. Director Alex Gibney explores Thompson's life from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, when he was at the height of his creative powers. Gibney traces the beginnings of Thompson's gonzo journalism style and recounts his most infamous drug- and alcohol-induced exploits.

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Critics Consensus

While not the comprehensive profile of the man that his die-hard fans might have hoped for, Gonzo remains an insightful introduction to the life of rebellious writer Hunter S. Thompson and his influences.

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dave s

Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr Hunter S Thompson won't shed a lot of light on Thompson's life or work for those familiar with his journalism and exploits in general, but it does serve as an excellent tool to remember him by and wonder how he would have reacted to the world in which we currently live. For those unfamiliar with his life and the concept of Gonzo journalism, the documentary is an excellent primer for a unique perspective on Richard Nixon, the 1972 American election, the Hells Angels, municipal politics in Aspen Colorado and a myriad of other subjects. Thompson, like the documentary, was usually divisive but always entertaining.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Demetris A

Excellent movie. Proof that good and evil can coexist in Mericca! If you are on the druggie and lefty side, you think that Christians and those that honor the constitution are evil and vise- versa. Most of the time we coexist peacefully. Unlike some other places! It's entertainment value is sub par and should be remade!! Borat may make it better!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/27/21

Full Review

Audience Member

Hunter S.T. and the Gonzo style was one that many I'm sure wish had been discovered earlier and one to be reckoned with since. "Too weird to live, too rare to die." Great documentary on not just a cultural enigma, but a necessary icon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I had never heard of Gonzo journalism, so this movie was an education for me.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

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Audience Member

A good documentary outlining why he was so important and famous but man oh man did he flame out hard.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Few Can Seperate Themseleves From The Ideals, Norms Of Society Like This Man. A Perpetual Unsatisfied Visionary Of Which I Can Definitively Relate To. What Can One Do But Stand Up For What They Believe In? Nice Homage To A Passion Now Needed More Than Ever.. What A Pity.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

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Alex Gibney

Director

Johnny Depp

Narrator

Alex Gibney

Writer

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Julia Raeside

Times (UK)

The idea that genius relies on emotional dysfunction isn’t really questioned here. And perhaps it should be.

Apr 25, 2023

Full Review

Brad Newsome

Sydney Morning Herald

Gibney's focus on Thompson at his most politically relevant is welcome, but it renders the broader picture less than complete, particularly when it comes to his early life influences.

Sep 12, 2018

Full Review

Angie Errigo

Empire Magazine

A definitive, accessible, even inspiring screen biography put together with thought and vitality.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 19, 2008

Full Review

Joanne Laurier

World Socialist Web Site

Thompson shot himself in despair. The critical issue, which the film sidesteps, is the utterly moribund state of American liberalism.

Mar 5, 2021

Full Review

Nikki Baughan

Roll Credits

Gonzo is an intimate portrait of a character who was truly larger than life.

Rated: 5/5

Oct 31, 2019

Full Review

Dan DiNicola

The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)

It serves both as an introduction to the life and times of an influential American and as a way to reflect on the ways in which news is handled today.

Feb 3, 2018

Full Review

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Synopsis

This stylized documentary uses journalist Hunter S. Thompson's own words, his home movies, interviews with his fans and critics and passionate narration by Johnny Depp to give some insight into the writer's process and edgy genius. Director Alex Gibney explores Thompson's life from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, when he was at the height of his creative powers. Gibney traces the beginnings of Thompson's gonzo journalism style and recounts his most infamous drug- and alcohol-induced exploits.

Director: Alex Gibney
Screenwriter: Alex Gibney
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: HDNet
Rating: R (Language|Drug and Sexual Content|Some Nudity)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 4, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 31, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.3M
Runtime: 1h 58m

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