Lost AT E Minor

Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

Narrated by Johnny Depp, who played Hunter in the film adaptation of the book Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas, this documentary covers the life of the enigmatic writer who invented Gonzo. The lines blur between reality and fantasy, as they did whenever Hunter was talking about his own life in his writing, but it is fascinating nevertheless as an insight into how he worked and the highs and lows of his life. Perhaps too long, it is understandable considering the amount of content to cover, from his first articles right to his famous suicide. As his fame grows, his behaviour becomes even more questionable and towards the end of his life Hunter becomes less coherent. And to the film’s credit it does not shy away from the less flattering aspects of his life. Perhaps the most entertaining parts are the interviews with artist and long-time collaborator Ralph Steadman, whose style evolved along with that of his famous muse.

A Complete History of My Sexual Failures

There is a strange voyeuristic pleasure in watching an incompetent and unenthusiastic loser trawl through the detritus that is his love life. The fact that Chris Waitt eventually made this film indicates that he’s not quite as useless as he makes out, but watching as doors slam and phones are slammed in his ear is both cringe-worthy and extremely entertaining. Part of the way through Chris chooses to pursue laughs instead of trying to figure out what has gone wrong with all his past relationships, which does make for some hilarious moments but means the question that instigates his journey is forgotten for a while. It all ties together well in the end though and through being so honest and recording the most uncomfortable and personal of experiences, including visits to a dominatrix, sexual therapist and disastrous dates, the film is honest and personal in a way that few documentaries ever are.

Planet Earth’s Lyrebird

The BBC’s Planet Earth series kept the mandatory blues that kick in on a Sunday night at bay for a long time. Going into work the next day suddenly didn’t seem so bad when you knew the hot topics of conversation would revolve around last night’s viewing, and not today’s admin prospects. There’s one bit in the series that really stood out; something so exceptional it can be watched over and over again and still draw gasps. There’s a segment at the end of one episode where David Attenborough tiptoes up to a Lyrebird - the greatest mimic of them all - the cameras start rolling, and the result is pretty staggering. That’s all I’ll give away, but note the sheer poignancy of the final few shots.

Bicycle Film Festival

Now occurring in seventeen venues around the world, the Bicycle Film Festival certainly has its wheels turning and is well placed to ride into the future. Apologies for the terrible cliché. Anyway, the festival runs in Melbourne from Friday, Nov 21 until Sunday, Nov 23. There are seven programs of mixed films from around the world and bicycles are the only common theme. Read more

Waltz With Bashir

Long gone is the time when animation was for children, and the gritty style of Waltz With Bashir seems to have first reached a wider audience in the recent past with Scanner Darkly. That film, like Waltz With Bashir, adds a realism and depth through simple colours and uncompromising scenes, which it is difficult to achieve with real actors. The stunning opening of Waltz with Bashir, featuring a pack of rabid, rampaging dogs, with gleaming, yellow eyes is the ideal example. The film then tracks a veteran of the Israeli Army mission in the Lebanon War of the early eighties, as he tries to recover his memories of the conflict and the following slaughter of innocents. His empty memory is probably similar to that of many of us who have either forgotten or never even heard of this conflict. As a story it’s wonderful, as animation it’s beautiful, and as a piece of history, it shouldn’t be missed.

Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

Narrated by Johnny Depp, who played Hunter in the film adaptation of the book Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas, this documentary covers the life of the enigmatic writer who invented Gonzo. The lines blur between reality and fantasy, as they did whenever Hunter was talking about his own life in his writing, but it is fascinating nevertheless as an insight into how he worked and the highs and lows of his life. Perhaps too long, it is understandable considering the amount of content to cover, from his first articles right to his famous suicide. As his fame grows, his behaviour becomes even more questionable and towards the end of his life Hunter becomes less coherent. And to the film’s credit it does not shy away from the less flattering aspects of his life. Perhaps the most entertaining parts are the interviews with artist and long-time collaborator Ralph Steadman, whose style evolved along with that of his famous muse.