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

Play trailer Poster for Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson R 2008 1h 58m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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85% Tomatometer 98 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
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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Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

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

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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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Critics Reviews

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Julia Raeside The Times (UK) 04/25/2023
The idea that genius relies on emotional dysfunction isn’t really questioned here. And perhaps it should be. Go to Full Review Brad Newsome Sydney Morning Herald 09/12/2018
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. Go to Full Review Angie Errigo Empire Magazine 12/19/2008
4/5
A definitive, accessible, even inspiring screen biography put together with thought and vitality. Go to Full Review Joanne Laurier World Socialist Web Site 03/05/2021
Thompson shot himself in despair. The critical issue, which the film sidesteps, is the utterly moribund state of American liberalism. Go to Full Review Nikki Baughan Roll Credits 10/31/2019
5/5
Gonzo is an intimate portrait of a character who was truly larger than life. Go to Full Review Dan DiNicola The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY) 02/03/2018
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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Munkhchimeg T 07/29/2024 Interesting movie. Give you many concerns about the human being. See more Geke g 07/29/2024 Its the pearl that shinning from middle dark sea See more dave s 11/26/2021 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. See more Demetris A 09/27/2021 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! See more 09/26/2015 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. See more Gina W 09/05/2014 I had never heard of Gonzo journalism, so this movie was an education for me. See more Read all reviews
Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

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Cast & Crew

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Alex Gibney

Director

Johnny Depp

Narrator

Alex Gibney

Writer

Alex Gibney

Screenwriter

Graydon Carter

Producer

Alison Ellwood

Producer

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

Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (2008) Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (2008) Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (2008) View more photos

Movie Info

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
Producer
Graydon Carter, Alison Ellwood, Alex Gibney, Jason Kliot, Eva Orner, Joana Vicente
Screenwriter
Alex Gibney, Alex Gibney
Distributor
Magnolia Pictures
Production Co
HDNet, BBC Storyville, Diverse Productions
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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