Sorry, I've been home for Easter and have not been able to respond since.

Fear and Loathing, as you all know, is my top movie. I adore this film and everything about it. I own the regular edition and bought the criterion edition as soon as it came out. I've watched the film at least 150 times and it gets better everytime. I notice new things everytime I watch. Depp does a superb job as Thompson.

I also have to recommend Where The Buffalo Roam. Though the plot is different, it involves more of Thompson's work surrounding the Campaign Trail of 72' for Rolling Stone(his Book), and his other adventures. There is a breathtakingly powerful scene in a public restroom where he encounters Nixon (Thompson's foil enemey). It's altogehter a watered down version of FALILV. People who work with Thompson become entranced by him. Murray was doing Saturday Night Live at the time of the shooting for WTBR and he was reportedly unable to remove himself from the Thompson character. He was seen for months with the aviators on screaming and shouting at people, this ultimately led to his leaving the show.

I also strongly recommend the DVD, Breakfast With Hunter. Its a documentary on the last 10-15 years of Thompson's life. Wayne Ewing has been following him for years and compiled it for this documentary. It has many guest stars (Thompson's friends) such as Del Toro, Depp, Warren Zevon, John Cusak, Ralph Steadman, P. J. O'Rourke, and many others. It's a great look into the life of America's Greatest Eccentric.(my caps) He's an amazing guy to watch.

Read the issue of rolling stone that just came out about his death to learn more about him. Thompson has been, and always will be, my hero. I'm driving out to Owl Farm, in Aspen view his ashes being blasted out of a cannon early this summer. I own all of Thompson's books and I can easily say his early work is his best, but his late work is not without its valor. I hope you all can enjoy Thompson like I do.

Thompson had 2 other novels to be made into films. One, The Rum Diary, has been in production for over 2 years and has not even begun shooting. Del Toro was set to direct but dropped out. The film now has a diector but might not be made due to writing, and creative differences. (The thing that almost killed FALILV). Another film, The Curse of Lono, an out of print book that has been sought after by collectors (including myself) for years can be found on ebay for anywhere from 100-1000 dollars, depending on condition and if it's a signed copy. Sean Penn hold the rights to this film and was a very close friend of Hunter's. He helped him out of many jams and was close with him to the end. The film though, does not look like it will happen due to Hunter never truely expressing his wishes for it to be made and a friend like Penn would not do it without the Prince of Gonzo's blessing, and niether would Depp.

I learned something interesting anbout Hunter's death. A month before his death he went to a big celebreation, now Thompson has been in a wheelchair for some time now, and he has always hated it with a passion. Well, at this party, he was told the bar was on the upper floor. He tried to climb up the regular flight of stairs and was unable to. He sat downstairs until Douglas Brinkley, a friend and editor, came up to him and Thompson said one thing to him, "Dougie, it's time for me to die".

Those of you who have seen the film and know of Thompson's lifestyle know that he could not live like this any longer. Thus, the suicide. He did leave one bit of info for us. He left no suicide note, but when he died at his typewriter (where he always was) he only wrote one thing in the middle of the paper down the center, dated Feb. 22, 2005. (he died on the 20th) It said, "counselor". that was it, I'm sure we will probably never know what it is and it will go on to be his "rosebud" for many years.

Well, thats my Thompson speal for today. i'm glad you enjoyed the film Vercetti. If you ever have any questions on or about Thompson, I will be more than glad to talk with you about him or any of his films or works. Or ANYBODY on the board for that matter. Thanks for reading and enjoy the King of Fun.

The Doc