Cert TBA
89 mins
BBFC advice: TBA
I reckon the 1960s spawned more creative thinkers than any other decade in recent history.
It was a time of freedom of thinking, personal experimentation and talk of revolution.
As a journalist, I look back on the 60s as the halcyon days of the written word. Current artists and actors, such as Johnny Depp, give the impression that they wished they had been at their pomp during that time.
Depp has a particular penchant for the work of Hunter S. Thompson and narrated a documentary about the writer a few years ago.
He returns here with a biopic about Ralph Steadman, long-time illustrator of Thompson's finest work and key figure in what was known as Gonzo journalism.
Let's be honest, Charlie Paul's film is more a homage than a warts and all expose of Steadman's life although it does explore the role drink and drugs played.
It is particularly interesting because it shows how Steadman creates his unique style of painting.
The movie also chronicles his life from his early days until the present time and is presented as an easygoing chat with Depp, accompanied by contemporary footage of Steadman and Thompson.
I just wish that its narration was a little bit more objective than that of Depp's which amounts to little more than fan worship.
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: explicit drawings
Overall rating: 6/10