Thereย’s a moment in Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson when the man himself sums his life up best. ย“Iย’m an idiot, Iย’m a fool, I know,ย” he says in an old interview, ย“but Iย’ve been a good read, right?ย” The legendary author and journalist said those words just a few months before he committed suicide.

The tribute to Thompson, directed by Oscar winner Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side), shows how success was to his detriment ย— his struggles with drugs and alcohol are well-known. Johnny Depp narrates the film, which features interviews with Jimmy Buffet, Jimmy Carter, Sonny Barger, Pat Buchanan, Sondi Wright, Tom Wolfe and plenty more. The film chronicles everything from Thompsonย’s time with the Hellย’s Angels, to his political adventures, to the debauchery that inspired Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (just to name a few). Screening times vary. 2009 West Gray. For tickets and a complete schedule, call 713ย–866-8881 or visit www.landmarktheatres.com. $6 to $9.

Fri., July 4, 2008

This article appears in Jul 3-9, 2008.