This week I had the opportunity to write about filmmaker Alex Gibney’s new film “Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson.” As a writer and a fan in general of things weird, I’ve long admired Hunter and his work, and over the years every time a new film is released that gives me yet another glimpse into the mind of Thompson, I relish the opportunity to see it. Gibney’s film, at two hours, is by far the best documentary to tackle such a larger than life subject as Thompson so definitively and comprehensively. Having seen all the other films and poured over several Thompson biographies in my day, I honestly didn’t come to the table expecting to learn anything I didn’t already know about Thompson. But learn I did, and in Gibney’s hands even the information I already knew was presented in new and exciting ways. For example, I knew that Thompson had run for sheriff of Aspen, Colorado, but never did I expect to see the commercial spot that was aired in support of Hunter’s campaign. But here it is in all its surreal glory, featuring Thompson riding a Harley, the Colorado wind whipping through what was left of his hair, his trademark mirrored shades bolted firmly in place. I would have voted for him. “Gonzo” is legitimately great stuff. Even the uninitiated would have a hard time arguing that Thompson’s was a genuinely compelling tale. Another surprise the film held for me was the fact that not only did I not cringe when “Cheeseburger in Paradise” singer songwriter Jimmy Buffett turned up in the film, I actually liked it! Under normal circumstances I’ve never really bought into Buffett’s yachts and hawaiian shirts shtick, but here Buffett’s presence is genuinely welcome as he tells the hilarious story of helping Thompson literally unplug and then plug back in a fax machine, making it appear to be on the fritz and thus buying Hunter a bit more time to finish a piece. So much did I enjoy this anecdote that I vowed then and there not to snub my nose the next time the cover band at whatever watering hole I find myself in launches into a version of “Magaritaville.” Until the song is over I’ll just remember that when Buffett references his long lost shaker of salt, Hunter would have had an entirely different (and slightly more illegal) usage of said salt shaker. That will undoubtedly make me a smile a bit.