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

"We can't stop here! This is bat country!"

Dr. Hunter S. Thompson becomes the subject of yet another documentary. Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson is the latest theatrical installment in a list of documentaries that bring this comically tragic, politically charged, gun-toting writer into the limelight he deserves.

The title is long, but appropriate. This documentary is certainly all encompassing, chronicling Dr. Gonzo's life and works from his more mainstream articles, the Hell's Angeles, the Kentucky Derby, political trails and Las Vegas, all the way to his bizarre funeral in Woody Creek, Colorado.  

The film outlines Thompson's obsession with guns, writing, women, killing reality and righting wrong. Plenty of stock footage gives a new generation a look at the man's run for sheriff, his days on the campaign trails and his last days still writing on an ancient type writer.

For true Thompson enthusiasts, this film doesn't add a lot of additional information. What it does do, is take the focus off the legendary illicit exploits which became infamous in 1998's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Gonzo doesn't deny them, but rather chooses to focus on the political and societal impact this bizarre and all important writer had on the United States in times of unrest. The film depicts a man, whose routine HAD to include writing. Dedication to his craft seems to often be overlooked by the Dr. Gonzo character who might as well have penned all his works. Living up to the mythical creature he created could easily be described as his undoing. And in the end, the film shows a Thompson who went out on his own terms.

The film includes a who's who of politics as giants like Jimmy Carter, Pat Buchanan, and George McGovern who remain PC on the issue, but their admiration is clear. Other names who rally in support of the late writer include Johnny Depp, artist Ralph Steadman and writer Tom Wolfe.

All in all, Gonzo is a very informative look at one of the most bizarre and controversial writers in our country's history. This film is fun, tragic and informative all at once, slipping in education when audience members aren't looking - the mark of a great documentary.
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Josh Gloer, Movie Correspondent

You can find Josh's column One Harsh Critic, published every other Sunday. Tuesday, Wednesday... (Who can tell at this point?) at http://oneharshcritic.gather.com.

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