The Libertine (2006)

No, I don't like you.

This is a beautiful, depressing miasma of a movie, with gorgeous sets and emotionally wrenching performances. Between the literal and metaphorical mud, the venereal rotting away of body and society, and the absolute amorality of the earl of Rochester, the film offers an unflinching look at corruption. There's something gleeful and wonderful in it under all the decay. My only point is that you should know this about the movie when you sit down to watch it. I guess it's a tribute to Depp's talent as an actor that I can watch his work and enjoy it when he plays characters I can only like in spite of themselves. July 15, 2008

Depp best performance

Although this movie is only for adults, it is Johnny Depp's best acting role. His performance shows his range in acting from comedy to drama. He has absorbed the person of John Wilmot and when the movie is over you feel as if you knew the man. A great work overlooked for an Oscar and one day will be a must have for all Depp collections and admirers. July 1, 2008

Good idea, bad execution.

I went into The Libertine with very high expectations.
Considering its Johnny Depp, one expects excellence.
In the acting department, Depp delivers his usual mastery.
The story itself just isn't that interesting.
Sex from the old days, big deal.
Boring, dull, drawn out, the movie feels very self indulgent on the filmmakers part.
All in all, I can't recommend this movie, it's just not very good.
The acting is top shelf but the rest of it is just blah.
Pass.
June 24, 2008

For once the deleted scenes were needed!

Usually the deleted scenes featured on DVD show just why they were deleted. But in this case, it would have made the movie make sense. I have the feeling that the director had spent so much money creating the scenery and outlandish props for the scandalous play that he chose to cut the WRONG corners. He or the editors damaged a film that could have been outstanding. For example, you wouldn't even know that Wilmot had children unless you watched the outtakes. And you wouldn't know why he was consumed with guilt or what possibly contributed to his liscentiousness. And, not knowing these things, as you watch it you just don't understand the sudden...oh, well, I don't want to spoil the gruesome ending. This is one movie that needs to be re-cut. Because as bleak as it is, there are wonderful, thought provoking performances that stayed with me long after it was finally over. May 30, 2008

A Grotesque Tour de Force

Johnny Depp delivers a mesmerizing performance as the debauched John Wilmot, the Second Earl of Rochester in 17th-century England -- easily the best thing about this unfortunate, unpleasant adaptation of Stephen Jeffrey's play. Director Laurence Dunmore's irritating music-video technique doesn't help. Standout portrayals by Samantha Morton and John Malkovich prove the ideal match for Depp's inventiveness during this two-hour wallow in the mire. May 18, 2008

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