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 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

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. Official Selection Hot Docs 2019 - Artscapes - International premiere

Maverick: The Epic Adventures of David Lean Maverick: The Epic Adventures of David Lean

Director: Barnaby Thompson

Year: 2026

An in-depth study of David Lean, the man and his films. David Lean was one of the greatest filmmakers. He redefined what films could be, but his singular vision and tenacious determination to film the impossible earned him a reputation as an obsessive maverick. He was a master of his craft, capable of creating love and beauty on screen, but whose personal life was often troubled, uprooted, and painful. Featuring interviews with contemporary filmmakers including Wes Anderson, Paul Greengrass, Alfonso Cuarón, Celine Song, Brady Corbet, Francis Ford Coppola, Denis Villeneuve, Nia DaCosta, and Joe Wright. Official Selection Cannes Film Festival 2026 - Cannes Classics - World premiere

TCB - The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing TCB - The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing

Director: Monica Henriquez, Louis J. Massiah

Year: 2025

Structured as a series of classes in cultural organising, this film reconstructs the life of a woman whose literary works and film collaborations became a catalysing force in 20th century political movements. Toni Morrison, Nikky Finney and filmmaker Haile Gerima are among those who testify to Bambara's humour, fierce commitment to collective action and gift for galvanising artists into community work. Official Selection DOC NYC 2025 - World premiere Official SelectionTrue/False Film Festival 2026 Official Selection Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival 2026 Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2026 - European premiere