The problem with adapting a novel based on the stories and reputation of Hunter S. Thompson is that Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas exists. Nothing truly is going to ever come close to that telling of the famous author. That is not to say that Patricia Arquette’s directorial debut of Gonzo Girl doesn’t have some merit. But that merit comes from its leading cast and the rest of the film is exhausting.
The film focuses on Alley Russo (Camila Morrone) whose been hired by Claudia (Patricia Arquette) to be the next assistant for Walter Reade (Willem Dafoe). Claudia preps her to eventually work with Hunter S. Thompson. What ends up unfolding is a drug fueled chaotic adventure of passion and drippings of ecstasy laced (both figuratively and literally) adventures. Those adventures eventually descend into chaos and drama heavy endurance.
Tonally, Gonzo Girl is the equivalent of a Jackson Pollock. There is some meaning and beauty behind the chaos but it is sheer and unequivocable chaos. Since this was adapted from a book, something of this caliber and stature is potentially a hard feat to accomplish. I’m considering how messy Reade’s life was and how sheerly unhinged everything was. The true saving grace of Gonzo Girl, though, lays within its cast. Gonzo Girl, similarly to the writing that inspired it, is absolutely bonkers and it loses its footing throughout the movie but it manages to stay afloat because of two marvellous performances and some safe directing from Patricia Arquette.
- Rated: NR
- Genre: Drama
- Release Date: 9/7/2023
- Directed by: Patricia Arquette
- Starring: Camila Morrone, Elizabeth Lail, James Urbaniak, Leila George, Patricia Arquette, Ray Nicholson, Willem Dafoe
- Produced by: Frank Hall Green, Patricia Arquette, Tom Heller
- Written by: Jessica Caldwell, Rebecca Thomas
- Studio: Bayard Productions, Catch & Release Films, Foothill Productions, Rh Negative Entertainment
