Fear and Loathing New Journalism

The godfather of Gonzo journalism and arguably new journalism has got to be Hunter S Thompson. His techniques are unmistakable, taking the reader through every stream of consciousness conceivable with such intricacy that the imagery can almost be smelt. The most notable of his works is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which embraced new journalism and smashed open the doors of Gonzo Journalism.

Though many perceive Thompson’s writing in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas as frantic, restless, or overzealous, I must argue that as a narrative it is easily up there with any novel in the way it sets the scene so carefully through first person narrative with Raoul Duke’s analysis of events through facts and questions. One could even go further in admitting that he may not be to everyone’s taste but he does change his style at various points to add nostalgia and poignancy amidst his anarchic monologues, which only enhance his already brilliant descriptive technique.

It is particularly interesting how his utterances within his consciousness do constitute as journalism. “The race was definitely under way. I had witnessed the start; I was sure of that much." There is definitely no way one can challenge the factual information within this statement, which warrants it as viable journalism, it just isn’t written with the age old conformist journalistic technique… hence “new journalism” I guess.

I feel if it were not for the reflective, calm parts within the novel then many of Thompson’s fans would view his work as just mad ramblings, which lack any substance, however the reflective points add eloquence and finesse to a very formative and interesting journalistic approach. Despite the fact that these reflective points can be very opinionated i.e. the reflection of the 1960’s drug, I strongly believe that they only act as a catalyst in heightening the journalism by bringing it to life.