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.
DVD Features:
Keep Case
Collectors Edition
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Dolby Digital - English
Subtitles - Spanish - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Bonus Footage: A FINAL FAREWELL
Additional Audio Material: A FOND FAREWELL (3)
Audio Commentary: Alex Gibney, Director
Deleted Scenes (4)
Hightlights:
1. Home Movies / Audio Recordings
2. THE ARSENAL - Thompson's Fire Arms Inventory
Text/Photo Galleries:
Additional Text: Manuscripts / Memorabilia
Galleries:
1. Hunter S. Thompson Photo Gallery
2. Hunter S. Thompson Tribute Photo Gallery
3. Ralph Steadman Gallery
Distributor Notes: Narrated by Johnny Depp, this Collector's Edition takes a probing look into the uncanny life of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson--inventor of gonzo journalism and author of the landmark "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."
Source: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Executive Producer
Mark Cuban: Executive Producer, CRIMINAL (2004)
Executive Producer
Todd Wagner: Executive Producer, CRIMINAL (2004)
Featured
Gary Hart: Politician
Featured
George McGovern: Former U.S. Senator
Featured
Jann Wenner:
Featured
Jimmy Buffett: American Songwriter
Featured
Jimmy Carter: 39th President of the United States
Featured
Pat Buchanan: Conservative politician
Featured
Ralph Steadman: Artist/illustrator
Featured
Tom Wolfe: American Author, THE RIGHT STUFF
Narrator
Johnny Depp: American Actor - SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STR
Story
Alex Gibney:
Subject
Hunter S. Thompson: Gonzo Journalist
Director of Photography
Maryse Alberti: Director of Photography
Review 1:
"[A] mesmerizing look at the mythic quality and anarchic spirit of the irreverent and rabble-rousing journalist..."
Source: USA Today
07/03/2008
Review 2:
"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."
Source: New York Times
07/04/2008
Review 3:
"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-
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.53 07/11/2008
Review 4:
"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."
Source: Los Angeles Times
07/04/2008
Review 5:
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."
Source: Empire
p.70 01/01/2009