I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me.~ Hunter S. Thompson
Hunter S. Thompson was a huge influence on me from the first (of countless) time I read “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” For many years I could recite the first chapter by heart. Even now I remember…
“We were somewhere near Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take effect. I remember saying something like, ‘Maybe you should take the wheel,” when suddenly the sky was filled with what looked like huge bats.”I think I first read it when I was in the Army cooking school at Ft. Dix, New Jersey. It was not a good thing for me to have, but have it I did and I emulated Thompson’s excesses to… umm… excess.
More later….
I saw the original movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" with Mark Freeman on one of my return trips to Memphis. I told Mark how cool this movie would be and we went downtown to watch a early show. Mark left confused and saying that he didn't really get it. I understood his reaction but keep it to myself. Gonzo was a way of life that not many people could phathom. Gonzo lifestyle seemed to fit Rick and I to a tee. I could go along with all of Hunters antics until the bitter end. He failed me at that point. How could a guy with so much talent, off himself in the end? I've not forgiven him for that act as of yet. I supposed that he would go on to even more antics and writing that would entertain us abit longer. Ether soaked towels, bats in the desert and droptop Caddies were a way of life. Hunter, what happened? Sorry if I have been a downer on this topic, I just don't get it.
ReplyDeleteAt least he had the foresight to ask for his ashes to be blasted into space.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing him on Letterman. He'd brought a brick of firecrackers to light off. Dave took them away.
Also, note: Johnny Depp's movie version of the film kicked ass and followed the book pretty well.
I never saw that version. I'll have to rent it this weekend. "Down Bronco....good boy."
ReplyDeleteDude,as the Apostle Paul would say, it's most excellent.
ReplyDeleteI'll have a full review on Monday. Wait..."WHO's tapping the phone?"
ReplyDelete" I really think third down conversions are going to be the key. Go long Rose, I'll hit you by the bar..."
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
ReplyDelete