Thursday, August 21, 2008
“The edge, there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over.”
And with that, the documentary Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson begins its whirlwind adventure, and viewers are instantly immersed in the visionary world of the infamous and renowned journalist.
Gonzo is no ordinary documentary. With Johnny Depp—who starred in 1998’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, based on Thompson’s novel of the same name—narrating legendary Thompson quotes to Thompson’s two wives commenting on his seemingly manic behavior, Gonzo delves deep into the intricate and, at times, troubled mind of an American icon.
The film explores Thompson’s work through his idealistic mindset on the promise of hope for America. The movie opens with scenes from September 11, signifying that the War on Terror was Thompson’s ultimate breaking point in his inability to cope with a surmounting loss of hope. From here, writer and director Alex Gibney traces the early years of Thompson’s life, attempting to understand what drove the writer to take his own life in 2005.
The film’s title comes from Thompson’s groundbreaking style of journalism in which a reporter immerses himself in his subject matter, becoming a central figure in the story. If you don’t know who Thompson was or just what he represents still in American journalism and culture, then Gonzo is a film you need to see.
Gonzo is now playing at Liberty Hall.
Three out of four stars.
Documentary shows soldiers’ experiences
A documentary about Iraq veterans that was shown Wedenesday at the Kansas ...
Reporter recalls writer’s visit
Locally directed film to premiere at Liberty ...
Associate professor of film and media studies Kevin Willmott tackles forced assimilations ...
Professor weighs in on writers’ strike
Kevin Willmott, professor in the department of theater and film, says the ...
Phelps documentary premieres nationally
A documentary about Fred Phelps and his family, filmed by KU alumnus ...
Movie review: 'The Informant!'
Hollywood hits, indie flicks and everything in between.
Slugger in the spotlight
Junior third baseman Tony Thompson leads by example.
De Oliveira: Animated documentary offers new take ...
'Waltz With Bashir' offers unique insights into the conflict in the Middle ...
A film festivus for the rest of ...
A student heads south for the bright lights of the Austin Film ...
This remarkable American life
Ira Glass discusses the importance of lighthearted media and the art of ...
Dog documentary fetches awards
Film, produced by KU student and two graduates, explores recession’s effects on ...
Brown: Writers Guild strike has real consequences
Your favorite shows may be in danger
Hawk Topics
News you can use
Movie Review: Drive Angry 3D
Hollywood hits, indie flicks and everything in between.
Lights, camera, action
Environmentalist shares her passion with Lawrence
Simran Sethi has a long list of experiences: a host for MTV, ...
'Carnival of Souls'
Former KU Professor Hark Harvey directed the 1962 thriller, "Carnival of Souls."
Filmmaker shoots new movie in Lawrence
Blake Robbins chose Lawrence for the setting of his newest feature film, ...
into the wild
Review
Andy Dick's out to 'flip it around' ...
Actor and recovering alcoholic Andy Dick opened up about his past and ...
Creating a scene
More graduates of the University’s film program are staying in Lawrence, creating ...
Movie review: 'The Ghost Writer'
Hollywood hits, indie flicks and everything in between.
It's easy being green
KU Hillel members created a documentary to observe other students' reactions to ...
Movie review
The Darjeeling Limited
Film festival expands students’ horizons
This year, the Center of Latin American Studies is showing four documentaries ...
Tales from the turf
KU alum tapped to film football documentary.
Forget what you heard
The Kansan's four part series showcasing hip hop's impact on a mix ...
Latin American Studies plays host to film
“Senorita Extraviada” depicts the kidnapping, rape and murder of women in Juarez, ...
Boultinghouse: JFK miniseries a threat to accuracy
If the History Channel doesn't distinguish between fact and fiction, who will?
Shroyer: Major league baseball fails to inspire ...
Decades after Jackie Robinson, the MLB abandons its populist roots, racial integration
King Corn to be screened at Liberty ...
KU Environs teams up with Films For Action to screen the documentary ...
Get Involved: The International Film & Food ...
Because lectures are boring.
Briefs: October 23, 2007
This is the news in brief.
Award-winning journalist featured speaker for Editors Day
Dotson tells the story of ordinary people with extraordinary experiences.
Mangiaracina: Looking back as anniversary of murder ...
The grass is getting greener for Greensburg
KU architecture students will begin constructing a fine arts center for the ...
Understanding race through film
Some University students are producing a documentary film to face race issues ...
Musician’s film exposes band antics
The Brody Buster Band’s drummer will premiere movie documenting band’s lifestyle.
Question & answer with Keanu Reeves and ...
International film fest starts Friday
Student winners’ films will be shown throughout the weekend.
From left: Kimberlee Hinkle, Libby Johnson and Hannah ...
1 comment
Kansas Jayhawk fans hold aloft a reproduction of ...
2 comments
Erin Saupe, a Ph.D. student from St. Cloud, ...
1 comment
0 comments
Armed robbers continue to threaten.
3 comments
Lecture from Greg Mortenson, co-author of New York ...
0 comments
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID