A 'Gonzo' Sundance screening

There are probably few journalists, probably few individuals period, who can inspire comments from characters ranging from former presidents and presidential hopefuls to ex-Hell's Angels leaders. But after watching the documentary "Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson," viewers should have a clear understanding of why this man and his work affected so many from a wide variety of lifestyles.

The film cobbled together comments from friends, ex-wives, politicians (Pat Buchanan, President Jimmy Carter, Sen. George McGovern) and co-workers. Then added a dash of Johnny Depp reading from Hunter's work and a splash of Hunter himself being irreverent.

The audience, mostly press since it was a press screening, chuckled throughout and nodded understandably as statement after starement reinforced how talented, courageous, and sometimes crazy he was. Historical footage from things like "The Dating Game" added other dimensions of his life to the collection.

If you're a fan, it's a great reaffirmation of his worth. If not, it provides a historical context for one of the country's most celebrated writers.

-- Jevon Phillips