During this waning period of 2008, the ghost of Dr Hunter S Thompson still prominently walked the face of the earth – walking to and fro, finding who he may devour might be an understatement.  With the film release of Gonzo: the Life and Work of Dr Hunter S Thompson, in both theatrical and DVD forms, the world, once again, is face to face with one of its most fascinating figures for our times.

With his humble beginnings as a sports writer, Thompson began to create a style of writing and communication that, until his maniacal personality began to take over, were unseen in the literary world.  Soon enough, his behavioural mode would take a sharp turn, fueling what would become Gonzo Lit at its highest degree.  The rest is history.

The documentary film by Alex Gibney weaves in and out of the lifetime of the good Doctor as he journeys through the world and its ‘turned on its head’ views of drugs, politics, drugs, our states of being, more drugs, and well…a life lived that many of us do not understand.  But we loved what he produced.  All of his eccentricities and his willingness to go the extra mile to produce a wildly written piece endeared his journalistic observations and truths to many of us, particularly if you followed his pursuits throughout the ‘70s.

The soundtrack of the film contains snippets of Thompson interludes tucked between songs that typify the persona of the man.  The songs accumulated are of the classic, great variety.  Songs like Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” (yep, that one fits), “One Toke Over the Line” from Brewer & Shipley, “Long As I Can See the Light” by Creedence Clearwater Revival,” “Get Together” from The Youngbloods, and the prophetic “Goin’ Down Slow” from bluesmen Howlin’ Wolf and Willie Dixon.  There are other great songs in here as well like Warren Zevon’s “Send Lawyers, Guns, and Money”.  But the respect is heard in the inclusion of “Mr Tambourine Man,” from Bob Dylan, an artist that Hunter Thompson admired (due to his ‘shocking’ move from acoustic to electric at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965).  In fact, the song was requested by Hunter Thompson as the memorial tune to underscore his final remembrance. 

The 40-page booklet that is slipped next to the CD (due to its size) within the cardboard slip-cover, contains an excellent, in-depth essay written by Johnny Depp and Douglas Brinkley.  It is also complete with drawings from Ralph Steadman, whose art is inextricably connected with HST’s written works, and lots of great photos. There is an insert booklet that is a fold out containing track info as well as more photos.  This soundtrack is especially moving because of its audio layout.  With the songs to represent the life and beliefs of the Doctor, and his words to attend them, along with bits from speeches, and other things, this collection serves up a memorable addition to the film, which has also inspired the release of a 5CD vocal collection of Hunter S Thompson on tapes.  

If you’re a fan of the man, the film will carry warm memories for you.  This accompanying soundtrack will travel with you to keep those memories fresh.  I consider this an essential and well assembled album that celebrates the film and the times of Dr Hunter S Thompson.  Gonzo fans cannot resist!

Buy the ticket, take the ride!