Fear and Loathing in Aspen

So many people trash on this movie because it's not Vegas. It was never supposed to be. Vegas was the trip...this was the man. I am beyond impressed at how he was portrayed, the story of the real life battle of Aspen, as well as the feel of the cinematography. It was hard to distinguish whether scenes were from real old movies or shot specifically for this film. It brought a tear to my eye as I miss this man in our world very much, and this love letter to his complexities was a great look back at how the man actually ticked. If you're looking for Vegas, which is a great film, go to Vegas. But if you want to see a movie about the man instead of the myth...this movie is great.

Some have pointed out that this film lacks the big-budget Hollywood theatrics of Terry Gilliam's over-the-top (but wonderfully zany) interpretation of "Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas", and I agree. Whether by design or default, this more stripped down and focused approach is part of what gives "Aspen" its charm. It feels like a genuine and intimate throwback, appropriately DIY and Gonzo-style, and a very human characterization of Hunter (the man, before the legend) during a pivotal and uncertain period, both personally and politically. This seemingly-forgotten microcosmic series of events, in all its glorious peculiarity, reveals broader socio-political themes that highlight the fragility of the American Dream. The message resonates more strongly than ever in today's political climate in the USA, and serves as a reminder of what's at stake. Far from a caricature of the subject matter, the film features nuanced writing, solid directing, and fine acting, especially from Bulger, who nails not only the "classic" Hunter mannerisms and delivery, but also conveys more depth and introspection than has typically been depicted on screen. There are plenty of laughs along the way, but ultimately, this is not the drug-fueled absurdist comedy one might expect...thankfully! The decision to shoot much of it on real film (including Super 8 film), rather than digitally, completes the period-appropriate, time capsule aesthetic. The meticulous cinematography often captures stunning images of the land and resources that made America so classically and inextricably tied to a profound sense of wonder and "freedom". All in all, it is a quick, pleasant watch, and entirely worth it. NOTE: This film has also been compared to the 2020 documentary "Freak Power: The Ballot or the Bomb," inspired by the same subject matter. While I encourage viewers to see that film as well, it should be noted that "Fear and Loathing In Aspen" was actually conceived, filmed, and scheduled to be released first, but its original premiere at SXSW in early 2020 was pushed back due to COVID. The unaffiliated documentary was released in the meantime.

It's a low budget independent film. It's not here to win awards or even make money. It's simply a little film about an interesting time in Pitkin County and possibly the happiest time in Thomason's life. Freak power was on full display when he made his run for sheriff and he actually gained traction and had people listening to him and tried to change things. He certainly had an understanding of land development and what that entails and what it can do to small town America. Hunter was certainly one of a kind but in the 60s and early 70s before he went full gonzo the man really cared. He was a self proclaimed political junkie and his many works on American politics is completely unique compared to your run of the mill political commentary. I'm todays America and how the political landscape is Hunter S. Thompson actually comes off quite normal compared to todays reality tv show version of running for office in the United States. Give this little film a chance and again if you are a fan of the man then this will be a fun little escape. If you aren't familiar with the man then hopefully this gets you to read his work. Especially his work in American Politics. Fear and Loathing on the campaign trail 72 is must read political history for anyone interested in the madness of American politics.

This isn't a film about Hunter S Thompson. It is a film about Aspen and the end of the old west, as told though the Battle for Aspen. What Thompson's campaign was all about. When the film stays on point it is pretty good and actually does show the conflict that still exists today in Aspen over development and wealth instead of community. But it is hard to fill a two hour movie with only that theme, so there's a lot of filler showing the details of the campaign.

I really loved Fear And Loathing In Vegas, where Johnny Depp did a remarkable job playing Hunter S. Thompson. That movie can not be compared to this one though as Fear And Loathing In Aspen is more biographical than pure entertainment. Jay Bulger also did a very good job playing Hunter S. Thompson. That's the best thing about this movie. The story is also interesting to follow. I just wished the quality of the cinematography would have been better. That was in my humble opinion the weakest point of this movie. Plus some actors were just not that good either. That said it's worth a watch but I don't really need to watch it again. Fear And Loathing In Vegas on the other hand I can rewatch several times.

This film draws together it's own adaptation of the YouTube documentaries on HST running for Sheriff in Aspen...and it is dreadful. I've watched hours and hours of Hunter S Thompson, quoted the man on a daily for years, bought clothes to look like him and even picked up an old typewriter. It's the effort you put into what you love that counts and the creators of this movie found a guy who resembled Hunter and that's about as much effort went into the film's making. Johnny Depp and Bill Murray both played Hunter S Thompson and they look nothing like him BUT THE FILMS WERE WATCHABLE. Save your time and YouTube Hunter instead, you'll thank me forever. -KC.

If you like HST, you'll love this. It's no hallucinogenic road trip like fear and loathing in Las Vegas but serves as a prequel to it in the sense that you see a younger, unknown HST beginning his career. Jay Bulger does a very, very good HST. Where Johnny Depp set the bar extremely high in F&LILV it's still very hard not to wish he was playing HST in this, albeit the JD at the age of the 1998 film. Check out the trailer to get a really good gist of the film, then pour a whisky and then buy the ticket and take the ride!

Quick easy hit that made we desperately want to go back and live in Aspen in the 70s. I was not a particular fan of his previous to watching this and honestly don't know much about him or his work so this was a fun introduction for me. The dialogue felt authentic and characters believable. Would definitely recommend.

Entertaining and easy going fun to watch movie, dont know why so much haters.

Was happy to find this gem. Great acting with a great script. We need more movies like this.