For
No Good Reason
(2012/Sony Blu-ray w/DVD)
Picture:
B+/B- Sound: B+/B- Extras: B+ Documentary: A
If
you are a fan of Hunter S. Thompson or the Gonzo art movement then
you are a fan of Ralph Steadman, easily one of the greatest living
artists. His work is extremely prolific, political, and original
captured beautifully here in this movie within a documentary entitled
For No
Good Reason
(2012), is directed by Charlie Paul and starring Johnny Depp as
himself. The film won the official selection at the SXSW Film
Festival in 2014 and was the official selection at the Toronto
International Film Festival with damn good reason.
In
this film, we see the world of Steadman's art through Depp's eyes as
he takes us through Steadman's art studio where he describes his
first years in America (specifically New York), his friendship with
Hunter S. Thompson, and his political artwork that has made him a
popular subject in the art world. The
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
segment is also very cool with Depp reading some of the lines in his
infamous Raoul Duke voice and animation that is very tripped out and
cool. Did I also mention that Slash does some of the music?!
The
film has some of the best editing that I've ever seen and is told in
such a creative style that it is truly inspiring to watch. I have
been a fan of Steadman's work for years but feel that this film has
enhanced by appreciation for him by exposing me to some of his work I
otherwise may not have been aware of and showing the man behind it
all and his approach to creating art. There are also some great
interviews with Terry Gilliam and tons of great old footage of
Steadman and Hunter as young men causing mischief with moments that
really priceless to behold. Steadman's art is both angry and
beautiful whilst at the same time original and grotesque.
The
narrative is masterfully told and I can't stress enough how much this
isn't your typical documentary. There are some incredible animated
sequences, opportunities for the audience to watch Steadman work from
his first paint splotch to the final details, and priceless moments
on film that perfectly capture a master at his craft. This truly is
one of the best films of the year and quite frankly one of my new
favorite documentaries.
The
presentation on this Blu-ray is very clean and impressive with a
1080p high definition transfer captured in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and
a lossless DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1 track that allows you to
experience the film at home with the best quality on the market. The
DVD of the film is also included in standard definition and a lossy
Dolby Digital 5.1 track that is great for the format but loses some
of the details the Blu-ray brings us.
Extras
are phenomenal on the disc including Commentary
with Director Charlie Paul and Producer Larry Paul, Cherrywood Cannon
Animated Short Film, Deleted Scenes, Extended Interviews
and
Toronto International Film Festival Q and A with Ralph Steadman and
Charlie Paul.
Again,
this film is not to be missed - especially on Blu-ray!
-
James Harland Lockhart V
www.vimeo.com/jamielockhart
