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

Play trailer

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

R

2008

1h 58m

Documentary

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

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.

Read Critics Reviews

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

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

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Alex Gibney

Director

Johnny Depp

Narrator

Alex Gibney

Writer

Alex Gibney

Screenwriter

Graydon Carter

Producer

Alison Ellwood

Producer

Mr. Untouchable

73%

56%

Mr. Untouchable

Watchlist

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

97%

87%

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

Watchlist

Surfwise

98%

66%

Surfwise

Watchlist

Casino Jack and the United States of Money

81%

80%

Casino Jack and the United States of Money

Watchlist

Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer

90%

83%

Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

UK Critics Consensus: Twilight Shines In The UK Reviews

RT Interview: Director Alex Gibney on Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

Critics Consensus: Hancock Isn’t Signature Smith

View more photos

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

Most Popular at Home Now