No, this isn’t another post about The Muppets, this is about a new movie coming to select theaters on July 4th. Director and Academy Award winner Alex Gibney, explores the life of the writer that fathered Gonzo Journalism.

Here’s a bit of schooling for those of you who haven’t a clue what language I’m speaking. Unless you were an English major, a literary junkie, a Rolling Stone subscriber, or a heavy duty Depp fan you might not know what the heck I’m talking about. No worries, here’s an excerpt from Wikipedia:

“Hunter Stockton Thompson (July 18, 1937 – February 20, 2005) was an American journalist and author, most famous for his novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. He is credited as the creator of Gonzo journalism, a style of reporting where reporters involve themselves in the action to such a degree that they become the central figures of their stories.”

Many of you might have seen the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, or you might remember hearing about Johnny Depp’s portrayal of this famous author that also became his good friend. So good in fact, that Depp financed the ultimate funeral Thompson requested years before his death.

“On 20 August 2005, in a private ceremony, Thompson’s ashes were fired from a cannon atop a 153-foot (47 m) tower of his own design (in the shape of a double-thumbed fist clutching a peyote button) to the tune of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man”, known to be the song most respected by the late writer. Red, white, blue, and green fireworks were launched along with his ashes.”—Wikipedia

You might be unaware of Thompson’s work or you might have his books on your nightstand and wear a Gonzo pin proudly; either way it looks like we’ll all learn something while watching this documentary full of Hunter flashbacks, photos, and milestones from the life and times of this literary genius.

Just like Hunter’s slogan that has become a mantra to millions, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.” 

Find the theater near you by clicking here. And yes, Johnny Depp is in this film too. Check out the trailer for yourself folks:

“When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.”—Hunter S. Thompson