Paper Trail

Deciphering Warren Hinckle

Paper Trail is a documentary film about the life and legacy of the renowned journalist, Warren Hinckle. This engaging documentary attempts to unravel the enigmatic persona of Hinckle, who played a pivotal role in shaping the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s through his fearless investigative reporting and unyielding commitment to in-your-face challenges to authority.

The film traces Hinckle’s path from a newspaper reporter to becoming one of the most influential voices in American journalism. With attention to his tenure as the editor of Ramparts magazine, his time at Scanlan’s, and his involvement with City magazine and The Argonaut, the documentary captures the ethos of a city and an era.

Exploring Hinckle's groundbreaking investigative journalism, which exposed political corruption, challenged authority, and championed the underrepresented, the film dives into his memorable collaborations with legendary characters such as Hunter S. Thompson and traces the profound influence he had on the New Journalism movement.

Besides recounting Hinckle's professional achievements, Paper Trail probes his personal life and the challenges he faced as a public figure. These were inseparably entwined as were the controversies that surrounded him, his battles with addiction, and the toll his reputation as a rapscallion took on his relationships. Through captivating interviews with colleagues, friends, family members and partners-in-crime, Paper Trail paints a vivid picture of Hinckle's larger-than-life personality, revealing the inner turmoil and insecurities that fueled his relentless pursuit of deeper truths and justice.

Working closely with Pia Hinckle as subject and co-producer presents an opportunity to include a daughter’s quest to decipher her father and his complex legacy. We will shoot some scenes with Pia conducting interviews and engaging subjects in conversations about her father. Her explorations readily form a structural backbone for the final film.

Director/Producer: George Paul Csicsery

Co-Producer: Pia Hinckle

Cinematographer: John Giannini

Cinematographer/Editor: Asali Echols

Cinematographer: William McNeill

Learn more: warrenhincklefilm.com

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