July 4th — day synonymous with independence and revolution.  A day we remember the rebels that created a new country and basis of government.

It seems fitting that “Gonzo,” a documentary about journalist Hunter S. Thompson opens on Independence Day.  Thompson was a true rebel, reinforcing “new journalism,” and adding his own spin.  Gonzo journalism involves first-person accounts of stories, and mixes in drugs, vulgarity and fictional elements to make standard stories more appealing and interesting.

Like many writers over the past two decades, Thompson is the reason I became interested in journalism and chose to pursue it as a career.   A synopsis of the film provided by Apple Trailers:

From Oscar-wining director Alex Gibney and producer Graydon Carter comes a probing look into the uncanny life of national treasure and gonzo journalism inventor Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. A fast moving, wildly entertaining documentary with an iconic soundtrack, the film addresses the major touchstones in Thompson’s life-his intense and ill fated relationship with the Hell’s Angels, his near-successful bid for the office of sheriff in Aspen in 1970, the notorious story behind the landmark Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, his deep involvement in Senator George McGovern’s 1972 presidential campaign, and much more. Narrated by Johnny Depp.

Watch the trailer: