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The Libertine
The story of John Wilmot, a.k.a. the Earl of Rochester, a 17th century poet who famously drank and debauched his way to an early grave, only to earn posthumous critical acclaim for his life's work.
Release : | 2004 |
Rating : | 6.2 |
Studio : | Mr. Mudd Production, First Choice Films, Isle of Man Film, |
Crew : | Production Design, Set Decoration, |
Cast : | Johnny Depp Samantha Morton John Malkovich Rosamund Pike Paul Ritter |
Genre : | Drama Romance |
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Reviews
Sorry, this movie sucks
Brilliant and touching
It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.
The acting in this movie is really good.
The Libertine is definitely not for the faint-hearted or those who are easily offended. For those who love great production values, storytelling and acting, The Libertine will be a treat. It may not be a personal favourite as of yet but I for one found it an exceptionally good film and think it doesn't get enough recognition.It is a very meticulous-looking film, the photography is wonderfully moody yet sumptuous, the film has a very telling atmosphere and it really feels like you're transported back into the 17th century looking at the costumes and sets. Michael Nyman's score is understated and haunting, fitting beautifully with the atmosphere, though to me it could have used more music from the period which would have given off even more authenticity. The script is funny, thoughtful and packs emotional punch while the story while occasionally dragging is told rivetingly with scenes like the chair scene between Wilmot and Elizabeth, Wilmot's address to parliament and the final scene really lifted by the quality and the acting. Laurence Dunmore directs most admirably, remarkably good for a debut, inexperience occasionally shows but a vast majority of the time it's incredibly well done.Characters are compelling, especially Wilmot who is very multi-layered, but if there was one thing that was truly exceptional about The Libertine it was the acting. Johnny Depp gives a powerhouse and multi-layered performance that ranks among his best. The dependable Samantha Morton marvels too, John Malkovich does stately and ambiguous in a suitably restrained and regal way while still maintaining interest and Rosamund Pike gives the most heartfelt performance I've ever seen her give(coming from someone who has liked a lot of what she's done), particularly a revelation in the chair scene. The chemistry throughout convinces though that between Depp and Pike came over personally as stronger than that between him and Morton.All in all, a fine film if not for everybody and really deserves much more praise than it gets. 9/10 Bethany Cox
The Libertine is now on my list of...oh... best three movies ever.Johnny Depp shows his best acting here in his least known movie.If you think you can love a slovenly, lazy, drunken, and disgusting character watch this movie.The acting, the direction, and the setting along with the touches of humor and tragedy will draw you in to this film as if you are here.I refuse to give a spoiler for this movie. I'll just say I truly loved it and recommend it highly unless you are very, very, very sensitive to nudity. And actually, I'd recommend it even if you are disgusted by nudity.The portrayal of London in that time is so accurate it's frightening. Check your English history and you'll see how true this is.But, mostly see it for Johnny Depp's best acting ever.
It has never ceased to amaze me that this film has almost bypassed most of the viewing public. Depp's performance is Oscar-worthy. The film has humour, pathos, intense drama at times, and the ending is heart-wrenching. I defy anyone to watch this film and not find it one of the most memorable, even if it can't be said to be 'enjoyable'. What surprises me the most is that the younger members of our household (over 18, but usually more into slash and gore films like the Saw series) have found this film compelling enough to watch it several times. They don't just watch the raunchy scenes either - they find the entire film spell-binding. Depp's final physical appearance is difficult to witness. His performance is utterly stunning. This film is an absolute must-see.
It is not often a young actor takes on the challenges of the stage and screen which offer the most difficult roles. As time passed, we have seen Johnny Depp rise from a novice and in a short time, ascend to the lofty status of international star. This movie is a vehicle which for better or worse, will in time set the standard and solidify his work for all time. The movie is called " The Libertine " and tells the story of The Earl of Rochester also called John Wilmot. (Johnny Depp) a close friend of the King of England, Charles II. (John Malkovich) Wilmot is a most gifted student of the arts but is arrogant, aloof and flagrantly squanders his fortune and talent in and out of the most squalid of circles. Because of his social status, he is able to tap the broadest spectrum of perversity. However, years of base debauchery with whores, drunks and dredges cost him his reputation and his only chance at helping his friend the king in a time when the royal family needs him. Depp is superb at displaying his own raw talent in portraying his character and one can only wonder how close he came to mirroring himself. The movie is abundantly scenic with historical paraphernalia, lavish and decorative scenes, which propel the viewer into the 17th century. The result being a Classic in the making. A cautionary note to viewers, if you are easily offended or unable to visit the depths of depravity without revolution or a suitable escort, this film is not for you. ****