May 1, 2009 -- This is a colorful documentary about the famed journalist and author, Hunter S. Thompson, spiced up with movie clips of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and other works based on Thompson's writings. The film features interviews with a wide variety of well-known people and narration by Johnny Depp, who portrayed Thompson in the movie “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” At times, the film seems like a free advertisement for “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and other films based on Thompson's life and writings.

Among those interviewed for the film are former President Jimmy Carter, conservative commentator Pat Buchanan, singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, politician Gary Hart, author Tom Wolfe, Thompson's ex-wife and widow and other friends and acquaintances. The film covers the life and death of Thompson and his influential works. It is mostly reverential, but does acknowledge Thompson's dark side, his fascination with guns, his alcoholism, drug habits, fits of rage, his mental instability and his severe bouts of depression. Of course the film also covers Hunter S. Thompson's famous alter ego, “Duke,” who is still featured as a character in the Doonsbury comic strip.

The film does a pretty good job of illustrating Thompson's life, but it seems to worship him too much at times. The film does not examine why Thompson was allowed to be so totally self-indulgent. He was obviously guilty of violating numerous laws relating to driving, drug use and possession of illegal firearms. He apparently didn't pay rent on his property. Yet he was allowed to continue this outrageous, irresponsible lifestyle right up to the time of his suicide, another self-indulgent act. Thompson never really grew up as he got older. Some envy him for that indulgence.

The film is an interesting examination of a larger-than-life character who saw the end of flower power, and the decline of the American Empire before most saw it coming. It is flawed, like most films about artistic types (another example is “Man on Wire”) in that it is far too one-sided in its depiction of the man. The attitude of too many filmmakers is that it is O.K. for artistic people to be above the law, to be irresponsible, to be selfish and to hurt the people they claim to love. Some filmmakers seem to think that the label of artist gives that person the justification to engage in very destructive, hurtful behavior like Hunter S. Thompsen did. Other people who are not artistic seem to be held to a different standard by filmmakers. I don't think President George W. Bush would get this kind of fawning pass from these same filmmakers. This film rates a B.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in video and/or DVD format, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Copyright © 2009 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.

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