Film Review: Artist Ralph Steadman Profiled in ‘For No Good Reason’

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CHICAGO – In the deluge of images that pierce our cerebral cortex on a daily basis, it’s refreshing to go back to the days when images had more influence, sought through publications or word of mouth. Artist Ralph Steadman was a mover and shaker – along with his writing partner Hunter S. Thompson – in the age-old notion that the pen can be mightier than the sword.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Steadman’s work is more well known than his name, because of his association with Hunter S. From his first wild illustrations in Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” to his editorial forays for Rolling Stone Magazine, Steadman has used his surrealist style to expose the madness of society and all of us. Director Charlie Paul provides an exacting history of Steadman, along with a profile of the artist today. What is most fascinating about the film is the artist-at-work – he uses a methodology that speaks volumes for his brand of creative freedom.

We meet Ralph Steadman in his studio, building upon a new work with his one-of-a-kind cartoon style technique. As the camera follows process on the canvas, the familiarity of what his drawings represent become clearer. One of the visitors to his studio is Johnny Depp, who has portrayed Hunter S. Thompson and is a student of the gonzo journalist. The story of Steadman, with and without Thompson, begins to unfold.

Steadman began his career in printing in the late 1960s, but also broke in doing freelance work for publications as diverse as Punch, Rolling Stone Magazine and the New York Times. Through the Rolling Stone, he took up with Hunter S. Thompson, and was forever linked to the author through his unforgettable illustrations for the books, articles and even films based on Thompson’s “Raoul Duke” character. Beyond that, Steadman developed a reputation as a rabble rouser with his editorial cartoons, fighting the power “For No Good Reason.”

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “For No Good Reason”

Going Gonzo: Classic Ralph Steadman Illustration in ‘For No Good Reason’
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Classics

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “For No Good Reason”