Dir. Wayne Ewing
By Seana
Sperling
December 1st, 2003
Is
Hunter S. Thompson a dope-smoking reprobate that hides away on his Aspen
compound with a flock of peacocks? Well yes, but there’s more to him
than first glance might reveal. Challenging convention and sometimes
the law, Hunter S. Thompson has lived his life according to his own,
sometimes blurry, perspective. Director Wayne Ewing collected footage
from over 20 years to piece together this tribute to his neighbor and
friend.
The film revolves somewhat
around Thompson’s DUI hearing in Aspen. He frankly blasts his accusers,
claiming the charge is somehow discriminatory. (His ire is comical and
endearing in a strange way although I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving
end of one of his rants or missives). Amidst book signings and bickering
about animation in the film version of "Fear and Loathing in Las
Vegas," we see the Thompson we have read about. The camera tracks
him walking down an office hallway and he spies a fire extinguisher,
which he sprays into the neighboring offices much to the irritation
of the occupants. “I’ve got my own definition of fun sometimes,” he
says with his ever-present cigarette holder in one hand and a highball
in the other.
For all his vices and carousing,
Thompson’s held up astonishingly well. Some might attribute this to
living his life without the constraints of restriction or too much order.
Interestingly all his vices are not responsible for his diction and
even in the early footage of the young gonzo journalist, the infamous
mumbling is present. Johnny Depp captured this vocal idiosyncrasy to
perfection in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and watching
Hunter S. Thompson in this documentary makes you realize just how good
Depp was in the role. The film includes quite a bit of footage from
the making of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and many appearances
by Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro who he seems to have developed a
friendship with.
Aside from the hi-jinks,
the film includes his more serious and political side; His reproach
of Nixon during the 1972 election makes a timely statement about the
conservative right and the corruption within. This early footage reveals
a politically vocal Thompson and unfortunately is way too brief. Instead
the film shows more of Thompson’s infamous antics with firearms and
controlled substances and this veneer shields a closer viewing of the
subject.
Reason to view: The film
offers some insight into this flamboyant rascal who flouts convention
and authority in the most entertaining way.
