Where the Buffalo Roam

Watch Where the Buffalo Roam

"This ain't no safari- it's a party"
  • R
  • 1980
  • 1 hr 36 min
  • 6.5  (12,573)

Where the Buffalo Roam is a comedy-drama film based on the life of the infamous gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. The movie was released in 1980 and stars Peter Boyle as Dr. John, a character loosely based on Thompson's friend and legal counsel, Oscar Zeta Acosta, and Bill Murray as Hunter S. Thompson himself. The story follows the improbable and drug-fueled adventures of Thompson and Dr. John in the 1960s and 1970s as they travel across America making strange and often surreal observations about the state of the country. The film takes its title from a line in the Buffalo Springfield song "For What It's Worth," which Thompson frequently references in his writing.

Where the Buffalo Roam is a series of vignettes that loosely chronicle some of Thompson's misadventures as he covers events like the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby, and a bizarre congressional hearing on drug use. The film also features appearances by real-life figures like Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, and Jimmy Carter.

Hunter S. Thompson was known for his wild, drug-fueled lifestyle, and Where the Buffalo Roam certainly captures that free-wheeling spirit. The film is filled with absurd, often hilarious moments that are sure to entertain anyone who is a fan of Thompson's gonzo style of journalism.

Bill Murray's portrayal of Hunter S. Thompson is particularly noteworthy, as he manages to capture both the writer's manic energy and his dark, brooding side. Murray's performance is one of the high points of the film, as he inhabits the character of Thompson with such gusto that it's hard to imagine anyone else even attempting to play the role.

Peter Boyle is also excellent as Dr. John, Thompson's bumbling but loyal traveling companion. Boyle's performance as the lawyer-turned-musician is one of the most endearing aspects of the film, as he manages to imbue the character with a certain charm that makes him impossible not to like.

The movie was directed by Art Linson, who also wrote the screenplay. Linson manages to capture the anarchic spirit of Thompson's writing and turns it into a film that is both hilarious and thought-provoking. The film is a must-see for anyone who is a fan of Hunter S. Thompson's work, or anyone who enjoys offbeat, irreverent comedies.

The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring songs from artists like Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix. The music helps to create a sense of time and place, placing the film squarely in the era it depicts.

Overall, Where the Buffalo Roam is an entertaining and often hilarious look at the life of one of America's most iconic writers. The film is certainly not for everyone, as it can be a bit disjointed and surreal at times. However, for those who appreciate Hunter S. Thompson's unique perspective on the world, Where the Buffalo Roam is a must-see.

Where the Buffalo Roam is a 1980 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.

Where the Buffalo Roam
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Where to Watch Where the Buffalo Roam
Where the Buffalo Roam is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Where the Buffalo Roam for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1980
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 36 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.5  (12,573)
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