Project Detail

For No Good Reason

Ralph Steadman and Johnny Depp in the artist's studio

Ralph Steadman working with Richard E Grant

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.

Visit Film Website

Details

Year: 2012
Type of project: 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

Genre

Woman Director

Production Status

Complete

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.

Suggest amendments

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. Official Selection Hot Docs 2019 - Artscapes - International premiere

I Didn't Want To Be Here

Director: Fionnuala McCormack

Year: 2026

An intimate portrait of a women's group in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The documentary follows the women as they collaboratively create a stage production. Through writing sessions, rehearsals, and candid conversations, the women craft a performance rooted in their lived experiences - stories shaped by addiction, family fracture, and encounters with the justice system. The documentary follows the evolving group dynamic, capturing moments of vulnerability, frustration, and unexpected humour as the women negotiate what it means to share such personal stories in a public space for the first time.

Northern Irish Woman Director

The Archivist

Director: Rob Curry, Tim Plester