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

Synopsis

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.

Language

English

Country

United States

Subjects

Literature; Media studies

Keywords

drug abuse; journalism

Credits

Director

Alex Gibney

Contributor

Johnny Depp

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 2 PAL

Price

£17.99

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

120 minutes

Year

2009

Distributor

 

Available from retail outlets

Name

STUDIOCANAL

Email

email: info@studiocanal.co.uk

Web

http://www.studiocanal.co.uk/ External site opens in new window

Phone

020 7534 2700

Fax

020 7534 2701

Address

50 Marshall Street
London
W1F 9BQ

Notes

STUDIOCANAL is the pan European film, production and sales distribution arm of French media group, Canal+. The UK arm, formerly known as Optimum Releasing, offers an impressive range of quality titles across all genres, for sale via retail and mail order and outlets.