Where the Buffalo Roam (1980)

Bill Murray essays the role of notorious real-life "Gonzo" journalist Dr. Hunter S. Thompson in this somewhat biographical, offbeat cult comedy. He's not particularly reliable (at least, not in this portrayal), and has a pretty carefree approach to life, not to mention a highly substance-enhanced approach to life. His compatriot in some of his experiences is the equally deranged attorney-turned-revolutionary Lazlo (Peter Boyle).I've read that this so-so picture only kind of scratches the surface when it comes to Thompson, not bothering to really give a measured portrayal of the man or illustrate just what made him so interesting as a writer and personality. There's still some comedic value, though, in the way that Murray's Thompson brings so much chaos to his surroundings, how he can spit in the face of decorum. There's not much of a "story" here, but screenwriter John Kaye and producer / director Art Linson use some Thompson experiences as set pieces: the prosecution of several youths on drug charges (for which the writer is present), the so-called coverage of a Super Bowl game, and, most memorably, Thompson becoming part of the entourage covering the Richard Nixon presidential campaign. (This leads to an encounter between Thompson and Nixon himself.)Ultimately, the cast is better than their material. Murray looks like he's having a "high" old time, and Boyle is just wonderful. They are very well assisted by a gallery of familiar faces such as Bruno Kirby, Rene Auberjonois, R.G. Armstrong, De Wayne Jessie, Mark Metcalf, Janit Baldwin, Jerry Maren, Craig T. Nelson, and Nancy Parsons. The music score is by rock superstar Neil Young.At the very least, "Where the Buffalo Roam" has inspired this viewer to actually check out some of Thompsons' writings and see why he is so revered.Six out of 10.

WARNING: Insults ahead. Now I'm no movie critic and I don't think these comment things should be taken serious at all considering the majority of the people on this thing sharing their two cents haven't spent any time in a film studies course, creative writing course, and have no real true understanding of the art of film. "Everyone's a critic" and thanks to the internet that statement hasn't been truer.But lets get onto the movie.Any self respecting HUNTER S. THOMPSON fan should stay away from this film. It's a terrible insult to the man and he's even been quoted as saying he liked Murray's performance but that he "was very disappointed in the script. It s*cks – a bad, dumb, low-level, low-rent script." Credit where credit is due Murray does a fantastic job with Hunter's mannerisms but he makes the poor guy out to be some sort of silly cartoon character. Murry certainly could move and maybe talk like Hunter but he looked nothing like him and the writing was cr*p. Now this of course is not Murray's fault since he didn't write the script, and that is his one saving grace.Jack Kroll wrote, in his review for Newsweek magazine, "Screenwriter John Kaye has reduced Thompson's career to a rubble of disjointed episodes, and the relentless mayhem becomes tiresome chaos rather than liberating comic anarchy." Thats the truth right there. If you want to get a real in depth look at the man, read some of the Gonzo letters. I recommend The Proud Highway. A d*mn good documentary would be Fear & Loathing on the Road to Hollywood, which can be found on the Criterion Edition of Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas (a fantastic representation of Hunter and his work but thats for another comment board).Bottom line folks, the movie is sh*t. It reeks of bitter 80's humor and brain dead writing. Bill Murray is a great actor but he should be ashamed of this film. If you are a true Hunter fan, stay as far away from this film as possible because it degrades him to the level of a sloppy clown, which he was very far from.This movie is for the ignorant Raoul Duke duke and the poor soul who sits in his room all day watching 80's movies and dreaming they could use Doc Brown's time machine to go back to a time where they were considered "normal." Now take all that I say with a grain of salt. I've only taken one Film Studies course so I am no critic of films, but I have read every single Hunter S. Thompson book and seen every documentary that has come out and I can give my honest advice, as a person well versed in the Gonzo world, that this movie is NOT HUNTER S. THOMPSON Mahalo

I only recently heard of this movie, and i'm quite surprised that I didn't hear of it earlier. Seeing as I watched and loved Fear and loathing in las vegas with Johnny Depp, I was super stoked to watch this. After seeing the first few scenes, I noticed how well Bill Murray portrays Hunter Thompson. It's completely from the same world as Depp's variation, With more of an 80's feel. This wacky story may not appeal to everyone, people looking for a deep story line or a lot of action won't like this. But if you are into Hunter Thompsons work, or Bill Murray, you will definitely enjoy this walk on the wild side7/10

I just happened upon this movie while perusing my "Bill Murray" Favorite Actors Wishlist on my Tivo. I had never heard of it before, but since I enjoy reading Hunter S. Thompson's work and having seen Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, I instructed my faithful DVR to record the movie at 4:30 one Sunday morning. WHAT A GREAT MOVIE!!! I cannot express this sentiment enough. From the dead on impersonation of Dr. Thompson's mannerisms by Bill Murray to the militant antics of 60's radical lawyer Peter Boyle (Lazlo) throughout the movie, these two more than faithfully portrayed the crazy antics well documented in Gonzo journalism. Please, do yourself a favor, if you consider yourself a fan of this genre, or if you just want to see a timeless piece of funny, witty, action filled cinema, find a way to see this woefully under-advertised classic.