If you’re a big fan of the work of Hunter S. Thompson, you’ll know that he was the semi-crazed American journalist, who is credited as being the inventor of ‘Gonzo’ journalism, and who was also the author of such classic reads as: ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’, ‘Hells Angels’, and ‘The Rum Diary’. An unpredictable junky wordsmith, who swam upstream against the flow of square America, and reported back home every foul deed that he witnessed (and was most likely at the center of) along the way.
Hunter S. Thompson Movies
While I believe it’s fair to say that there really is no alternative to pouring yourself a large drink, (and perhaps a quick chew on a stolen adrenal gland), before sitting back and reading through some HST. words on paper. From time to time we all just want to chill and watch a movie. And there’s no reason why you can’t do just that, while getting a fix of the good Doctor, all at the same time.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
If you haven’t seen this one, then you should probably be ashamed to call your self a ‘true’ Hunter S. Thompson fan. However, we don’t judge. And it’s never to late to watch this classic for the first time. The first half of the movie is pure laugh-out-loud. “Buy the Ticket Take the Ride!” Cruising along in a red Cadillac, with a suitcase full of drugs in the boot. You just know that things are going to get messy. And soon they do. With circus-like comedy spiralling down into dark introspective nightmares, and violent pursuits, as the drugs taken become increasingly rotten.
Where the Buffalo Roam
While compared to Johnny Depp’s performance in the movie above, Bill Murray’s performance didn’t quite nail Hunter to the same degree, in the movie ‘Where the Buffalo Roam’. But it is still Bill Murray. And the man is a legend. More lighthearted than Fear and Loathing, Where the Buffalo Roam follows Hunter S. Thompson’s reporting of the 1972 SuperBowl, and other eclectic episodes. With the aid of his ever-present, and equally crazed Attorney, ‘Lazlo’. And while you feel through most of the movie that you’re watching Bill Murray doing a long and drawn out HST impersonation, (which essentially you are) rather than watching Hunter himself. Where the Buffalo Roam still contains moments of pure Thompson genius, and as such, deserves to be watched at least once. By any, and every, Hunter S. Thompson fan.
GONZO: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson
While this next offering received mixed reviews. Personally, I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. And find it to be a fitting post-death HST tribute. That offers plenty of insights into what made the man known to some simply as ‘Mr Raoul Duke’. And to others as a ‘Filthy Swine’, in need of incarceration. A biopic that leads you hand-in-hand through some of the highs and lows of Hunters’ life, with readings included by Hunter S. Thompson’s close friend, ‘Johnny Depp’. The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson is a must watch. For those who couldn’t get enough of the good Doctor when he was alive, and who still can’t shake the feeling that something is now missing. Now that this great man has sadly passed on.
The Rum Diary
NOTE - If it's not yet October 28th 2011, as and when you're reading this, you might be interested to know that on this date (or there abouts) Johnny Depp is returning to play the lead in another Hunter S. Thompson Classic, 'The Rum Diary'.
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