Sony Pictures Classics Nabs Gonzo Doc 'For No Good Reason'

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all North American rights to Charlie Paul’s documentary For No Good Reason from Itch Film.

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The film, which was produced by Itch co-founder Lucy Paul, focuses on Gonzo illustrator Ralph Steadman and features Johnny Depp observing Steadman’s unique work process at his home studio.

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Steadman is best known for his illustrations that accompanied the writings of Hunter S Thompson. Their collaborations defined the Gonzo school of journalism that emerged during the turbulent eras of Vietnam and President Nixon. Among his many achievements, Steadman has drawn political and satirical work informed by a deep social conscience, illustrated such classics books as Alice in Wonderland and Animal Farm, printed etchings on writers from Shakespeare to Burroughs and published books on the lives of Sigmund Freud, Leonardo da Vinci and God.

The film also features a comprehensive soundtrack with collaborations from Slash, All American Rejects, Jason Mraz, Lynval Golding, Ed Harcourt, James Blake and Crystal Castles. Sacha Skarbek served as the music director.   

Paul, who has been a director in advertising for years and is a former artist himself, spent a decade making the film, which marks his first feature.

“Working with Ralph Steadman and using his art as the palette to construct this film, created the perfect canvass for me to make something personal, profound and very beautiful,” the director said.

Added Lucy Paul, “We are thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures Classics, whose love of the film and inventive approach to marketing will ensure our film finds the exposure and audience it deserves."

Foreign sales are being handled by Independent Film Sales.

Email: Tatiana.Siegel@THR.com, Twitter: @TatianaSiegel27