Release date: 19 December 2008

Running time: 119 mins

Director: Alex Gibney

Starring: Hunter S Thompson, Johnny Depp, Jimmy Carter, George McGovern

The life and times of anti-establishment icon and gonzo journalism originator Hunter S Thompson.

Narrated by - who else? - Johnny Depp, Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney's documentary is an energetic and entertaining look at this life of this late, great and crazily original writer. Its impressive roll call of interviewees includes artist/illustrator Ralph Steadman, 1965 Hell's Angel President Sonny Barger, Nixon's speechwriter Pat Buchanan and Rolling Stone magazine editor Charles Perry among others. We get to take a closer look at some of the major milestones in Thompson's life, from his intense but uneasy relationship with the Hell's Angels to his almost-but-not-quite successful bid to be elected Sheriff of Aspen in 1970. And of course there are the notorious drug-fuelled tales behind his blackly comic masterpiece Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas - while viewers may be surprised by the extent of Thompson's involvement in Senator George McGovern's 1972 presidential campaign.

Screenplay: Alex Gibney

Distributor: Optimum

You should see it because: If it's even half as entertaining as one of Thompson's books, then you're in for a treat.

See it if you liked: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002), The Fog of War (2003)