Project Detail

For No Good Reason

Synopsis

‘For No Good Reason’ is a visually stunning unique biographical film about artist and cartoonist Ralph Steadman. Johnny Depp is a friend and thought-provoking observer of Ralph’s art, who inspires insight as the film unfolds and in the finest Gonzo tradition questions of witness and authenticity are constantly challenged, as the film smashes narrative conventions, moving seamlessly from interview to animation and soundscape.

We observe Steadman over fifteen years as he creates a wealth of art. For the first time his art is animated, including illustrations from Hunter S Thompson’s ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’.
Unseen intimate footage of Hunter S Thompson, much of it filmed by Ralph himself, reveals their deep life-long friendship and true working relationship.

Featuring Richard E Grant, Terry Gilliam, Bruce Robinson and with music from Slash, The All American Rejects, Jason Mraz, Crystal Castles, Ed Hardcourt and Beth Orton.

A touching and at times funny film about honesty, friendship and the ambition driving an artist, this is a true record of the demise of 20th Century counterculture and hipster dream with Ralph Steadman the last of the Gonzo visionaries.

Details

Year
2012
Type of film
Features
Running time
86 mins
Format
35mm, HD,16mm, Super 8
Director
Charlie Paul 1st Feature
Producer
Lucy Paul
Executive Producer
Lucy Paul
Editor
Joby Gee
Director of Photography
Charlie Paul, Spike Geilinger
Sound
George Foulgham
Composer
Sacha Skarbek
Principal cast
Ralph Steadman, Johnny Depp, Jann Wenner, Terry Gilliam, Bruce Robinson
Music
Slash, Jason Mraz, The All American Rejects, Crystal Castles, Ed Hardcourt, Beth Orton

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

Itch Film

1 Mackenzie Road
London N7 8QZ
UK

T +44 (0) 20 7609 6909

www.itchfilm.com

Page updates

This page was last updated on 12th May 2025. Please let us know if we need to make any amendments or request edit access by clicking below.

See also

You may also be interested in other relevant projects in the database.

Prophecy Prophecy

Director: Charlie Paul

Year: 2019

Intimate and revealing, this documentary offers an unprecedented insight into the mind of an artist as he works on creating a masterpiece. Beginning with a blank canvas, the film follows acclaimed artist Peter Howson on a journey that showcases his dark sense of humour as well as his immense talent. Working from his imagination, former official Bosnian war artist Howson, draws inspiration from world unrest, religious beliefs and mythology, utilizing the techniques of his heroes; Goya, DaVinci and El Greco in creating his artwork 'Prophecy'. Discover the difficulties he has faced throughout his life that push his creative output, and marvel at the monumental reveal of the finished painting. The end result is a wonderfully crafted, candid documentary that celebrates the genius of an artist at the top of his game.<br /> Official Selection Hot Docs 2019 - Artscapes - International premiere

Spacewoman Spacewoman

Director: Hannah Berryman

Year: 2024

A landmark feature documentary about astronaut Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot and command the Space Shuttle.<br /> Eileen’s incredible journey starts with her smalltown beginnings, sees her smash through many glass ceilings, and culminates in four dramatic space shuttle missions, the last being possibly the most dangerous and most important of them all.<br /> At its heart the film is the moving human drama of one family, where a mother’s extraordinary career takes us straight to the big philosophical question of what is the level of acceptable risk in human endeavour? <br /> This film celebrates Commander Collins’ trailblazing NASA career which opened the way for women to become spacecraft pilots and commanders, and proved a perfect riposte to a previous generation of male astronauts who thought there was no place for women to lead the way in space. <br /> Official Selection DOC NYC 2024 - World premiere<br /> Official Selection CPH:DOX 2025 - European premiere

64 Days | the crowd and its leaders 64 Days: The Insurrection Playbook

Director: Nick Quested

Year: 2025

Documenting the January 6 assault on the US Capitol - Filmmaker Nick Quested was embedded with the Proud Boys, and other far-right groups during the months leading up to the insurrection, capturing exclusive footage of figures including Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes that was used as evidence in hearings of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, and as part of their larger investigation.