This is a great documentary. Just about everyone can find something or someone who they can identify with. I haven’t been to highschool in a few years, okay a few decades, but some things never change. And what’s true in highschool is also true out in the real world. The same personality traits developed in highschool can be found in any business environment.
I have not read any of Hunter Thompson’s work. He was before my time. But this film gives a very rounded look at a unique individual with a unique voice. The film covers Hunter Thompson from the early sixties through his death by suicide in the mid seventies.
This latest documentary by Morgan Spurlock uses the humor in the premise of searching for Osama Bin Laden as a way to examine different cultures in the Middle East and the anti U.S. fervor that exists in the region. The end result is an entertaining and enlightening look at the Middle East as seen from a different perspective than what can be seen on the nightly news.
Everything about this film stands out. If all you had were the interviews with the participants along with the photos they took, you would have a compelling story. But Errol Morris elevates this documentary with visually creative reenactments and a subtle soundtrack that sets the mood. His use of ghost-like images is especially effective.
The film itself is engaging, informative, and visually stunning. Josh narrates the film. He also emlists the help of numerous celebrities to help tell the story. He uses animation to help fill in the blanks.
Someone once said that a good story is one that makes you laugh and makes you cry. This film does that and moves you emotionally long after the film has ended. It’s an extraordinary film.