While covering the campaign trail in 1972, Dr. Hunter S. Thompson once noted that “there is no such thing as off the record.” Echoing this sentiment, Alex Gibney’s latest film renders a startlingly honest portrait of one of the most notorious literary figures of the twentieth century.  Excerpts from Thompson’s writings read by the inimitable Johnny Depp and archival footage from his various assignments culminate in a portrait as kinetic and poignant as the author himself. While the film chronicles Thompson’s broad range of work, from his early depiction of the Hells Angels to the legendary Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas to his extensive career at Rolling Stone, it goes far beyond a survey of literary milestones. A vibrant collection of candid conversations with family, colleagues, and friends expose the man behind the psychedelics, firearms, and blistering words. ST