Nobody can deny the importance of Hunter S. Thompson, the American journalist and author, best known for his novel “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. He is also the creator of gonzo journalism, a new style in which reporters get very involved in the action, managing to become the main characters in their stories.

The documentary “Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson,” is set to show the personal and also the professional side of this charismatic and extraordinary man. The documentary is based on interviews with Hunter S. Thompson’s first wife, unpublished manuscripts, personal letters and some parts of a 1978 BBC documentary. The archivist Don Fleming was hired by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, the one who made the documentary, to search audio recordings with the writer. Politicians like George McGovern and Gary Hart appear in the film, helping viewers to view the political side of Hunter S. Thompson.

“We were all amused by him. Nobody was writing like that,” said George McGovern, according to USA Today.

Alex Gibney tried to make a film not only for Hunter S. Thompson’s fans but also for the ones who had little to do with his work. The documentary is meant to be a tribute to the one who managed to dissolve borders between reality and fiction, staying true to his own style.

“The lesson is there's a benefit to following your path and finding your own voice and being fearless,” said Alex Gibney, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Hunter S. Thompson was born on July 18, 1937 and died on February 20, 2005. The artist shot himself in the head. He was known for his promotion and abuse of psychedelics and some other mind-altering substance and also for his obsession with firearms. His way of life eclipsed his work. In a recording, Hunter S. Thompson said that “The myth has taken over,” adding he was “no longer necessary.”

“Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson” is a film which tries to get a glimpse of Hunter S. Thompson’s troubled life.

“It's a story about an artist, a writer,” said Alex Gibney.