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

Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson is a 2008 documentary film directed by Alex Gibney. The film chronicles the life and times of the legendary journalist and writer, Hunter S. Thompson, from his early days as a young journalist to his rise to fame as the "Gonzo" journalist of the 1960s and 1970s. The film features interviews with Thompson's friends, colleagues, and family members, as well as footage of Thompson himself from various stages in his life. Johnny Depp, a close friend of Thompson's, serves as both the narrator and the producer of the film.

Gonzo begins with Thompson's early years as a journalist, working for various newspapers in his home state of Kentucky. The film takes a closer look at his coverage of the Hell's Angels, which led to the publication of his first book, Hell's Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.

The film then delves into the decade of the 1960s, during which Thompson became a fixture of the counterculture and the "New Journalism" movement. The film explores Thompson's coverage of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which he covered for Rolling Stone magazine. It was during this time that Thompson developed his unique style of writing, which he called "Gonzo" journalism.

Throughout the film, Gibney focuses on Thompson's life and work in great detail. The filmmaker explores Thompson's love for guns and explosives, his personal struggles with drugs and alcohol, and his relationships with those closest to him. Moreover, the documentary also explores the lasting impact of Thompson's work on American literature and journalism, which continues to inspire new generations of writers and journalists to this day.

The film also features a number of interviews with Thompson's friends and colleagues, including Johnny Depp. Depp, who has portrayed Thompson in two Hollywood films, talks about his close friendship with the writer and explains how he was able to help Thompson stay afloat when he was struggling with addiction.

The documentary also features interviews with various writers and journalists who were inspired by Thompson's work, including Tom Wolfe, P.J. O'Rourke, and others. Additionally, musicians such as Jimmy Buffet and Jann Wenner, the founder of Rolling Stone magazine, offer their perspectives on Thompson's life and work, and how he impacted their own lives and careers.

Overall, Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson is a comprehensive and compelling look at one of the most unique and influential journalists of our time. The film offers a fascinating glimpse into Thompson's personal and professional life, and helps us to better appreciate the lasting impact of his work on American culture. With Johnny Depp as the narrator and producer of the film, Gonzo is a fitting tribute to Thompson's life and work, and an essential viewing for anyone who is interested in the history of American journalism and literature.

Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 73.