Drama
United States of America
In 1970, Hunter S Thompson, the infamous counterculture journalist, decided to run for the position of sheriff in Pitkin County, Colorado. He was then known for his irreverent writing style in articles for Rolling Stone magazine and his book "Hell's Angels." Running as the candidate for the Freak Power Party, Thompson's campaign was based on a platform of opposing Nixon's War on Drugs and making Aspen, Colorado, a "No Ski Zone."
The movie Fear and Loathing in Aspen follows the story of Thompson's unusual campaign, starting with his decision to run after discovering that the local incumbent sheriff was up for re-election uncontested. Thompson collects signatures and generates publicity for his campaign, ultimately leading to his controversial win in the Democratic primary. However, he eventually lost the general election, thanks to the Republican incumbent being supported by nearly every voter not directly affiliated with Thompson's campaign.
Throughout the film, viewers get a glimpse of Thompson's unconventional lifestyle, which ranges from his drug use to his signature fashion choices, including platform shoes and a white suit. In Fear and Loathing in Aspen, Thompson is portrayed by Jay Bulger, with supporting performances from Terrence Howard and Johnny Depp, who previously played Thompson in the film adaptation of his book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The movie is based on true events and is an entertaining look at one of Thompson's most bizarre and humorous exploits.
