For No Good Reason

Charlie Paul’s documentary focuses on British artist Ralph Steadman, the man responsible for the wild art that accompanied the works of Hunter S. Thompson. Paul spends time with Steadman, talking mostly about Thompson and how they influenced each other. Johnny Depp, who portrayed Thompson in Terry Gilliam’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, is along for the ride. Calmly chatting with Steadman, Depp delves into topics like Steadman and Thompson’s gonzo coverage of The Rumble in the Jungle, and Thompson’s eventual suicide. Some of the film’s more fascinating passages come out of seeing Steadman create some works from the ground up, with Depp standing by mouth agape with awe. There’s also Steadman’s fascination with Leonardo da Vinci, and the weird stuff he has done with Polaroid portraits. Paul’s documentary isn’t necessarily groundbreaking stuff, but the chance to hear Thompson’s partner in crime talking about their exploits, and a look inside the gonzo artist’s mind, results in something cool enough.