Breakfast with Hunter

Breakfast with Hunter is a riveting and engaging documentary released in 2003, directed by Wayne Ewing, and featuring Bob Braudis, Douglas Brinkley, and Alex Cox. The film serves as a deep dive into the colorful, chaotic, and legendary life of Hunter S. Thompson, a man who resisted categorization and defined a literary genre all his own – Gonzo journalism.

Hunter S. Thompson was an iconoclast, a maverick, a literary genius, and a passionately political man who lived life on his own terms. Known for his work in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "Hell's Angels," Thompson was never shy of controversy and was equally well-known for his outrageous lifestyle. The movie's title, 'Breakfast with Hunter,' appropriately represents the intimate nature of the documentary, allowing us a 'sit-down meal' with this larger than life personality.

The documentary provides viewers with a riders-eye-view into some critical periods of Thompson's career. While Bob Braudis, Douglas Brinkley, and Alex Cox each add their unique perspectives on Thompson's life and works, it is Ewing's close relationship with Thompson that helps steer the narrative thread of the film. We get to see moments of Thompson that are rarely seen, from him in his home in Woody Creek, Colorado, engaging in casual yet profound discussions, to him reading and grappling with his own work.

As you watch, you get to see how Thompson interacted with those around him. Douglas Brinkley, his appointed biographer and an esteemed historian in his own right, provides valuable insights into Thompson's political views and how they shaped his journalism. Sheriff Bob Braudis, a long-time friend, and ally, paints a picture of Thompson as a man deeply tied to his community, and we see in director Alex Cox the tension and dynamism that Thompson's ideas could spark in others.

Notably, there are candid moments featuring Johnny Depp, who portrayed Thompson in the film adaptation of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Depp's close friendship and admiration for Thompson are readily apparent through their interactions, giving us a grounded view of Hunter S. Thompson, the man as opposed to Hunter S. Thompson, the legend.

Breakfast with Hunter is not a traditional biographical documentary; it is an immersive experience that attempts to capture the raw energy of a man who was instrumental in shaping the face of modern journalism. The director delves into Hunter's unconventional methods, his intense passion for writing, and his influence on the political landscape. It presents Thompson in all his glory, radiating irreverent humor, profound insights, and occasional bouts of explosive fury that marked his exterior persona.

Despite the chaotic representation of Thompson's lifestyle and career, a recurring theme throughout Breakfast with Hunter is his tenacity, his unwavering dedication to the truth, and his uncompromising vision of justice. The documentary manages to portray the dichotomy of his nature – being an erratic character with a deep focus on his craft and a commitment to fight against political injustices.

Visually, Breakfast with Hunter is as unorthodox as its subject. The cinematography is raw and spontaneous, mirroring Thompson's explosive style of journalism. Yet, it never disregards the human touch, capturing moments of varied emotions felt by Thompson and those around him.

At the heart of it, Breakfast with Hunter serves as an intimate portrait of a man whose writings shook the conventions of journalism. It's a must-watch for fans of Hunter S. Thompson's works, offering an honest, humorous, and at times, a touching exploration of his writing process, his relationships, and his lasting impact. The film is a testament to Thompson’s unique blend of discord and harmony, of claim and contradiction, reminding viewers of the enduring power of his life and works.