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Deep Dive: Being Captain Zero (2009)

Film Lens

Being Captain Zero
In the 1970s, marijuana smugglers John Gilmore and Captain Zero navigated the illicit drug trade. The documentary captures their reunion twenty years later, prompting a reflection on their different life paths and the changing cultural landscape surrounding marijuana legalization. The film travels through Mexico, the United States, and Costa Rica, examining how their past choices have shaped their identities and lives. Based on Gilmore's bestselling book 'In Search of Captain Zero', the film presents a nuanced view of their experiences. It addresses the complexities of their past and the evolving perceptions of cannabis, providing insight into how societal attitudes towards marijuana have shifted over the decades.

Why Watch

  • Meet John Gilmore and Captain Zero in their unique reunion.
  • Follow their reflections on the changing cannabis culture.
  • See the impact of their past on their current lives.

Did You Know

John Gilmore and Captain Zero were active in the drug trade in the 1970s.
The film is based on Gilmore's book 'In Search of Captain Zero'.
The documentary was released in 2009, twenty years after their initial smuggling days.

Perfect For

Marijuana legalization1970s drug tradeSurf culture