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The beautifully sculpted face of Johnny Depp fits right in with this masterpiece of design.The Libertine--filmed in a grainy, color-muted chiaroscuro--captures the lush costumes, extravagant decor, and remarkable filth of Restoration England. John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester (Depp,Pirates of the Caribbean,Ed Wood), warns the audience at the very beginning of the film that they will not like him. From there, he treats his wife cruelly, drinks to relentless excess, abuses his friendships, and generally wallows in dissipation, much to the dismay of King Charles II (John Malkovich,Dangerous Liaisons), who hopes that Rochester will write a play glorifying his reign. But Rochester finds his true inspiration (and the movie comes to life) when he sees a young actress named Lizzie Barry (Samantha Morton,Minority Report,Morvern Callar). Rochester sets out to make her the greatest actress of their time--and she, with some reluctance, submits to his teaching. The weakness ofThe Libertineis not that Rochester is unlikable; it's that he doesn't want to do anything. Barry galvanizes the movie because she burns with ambition, but Rochester's only apparent aim in life is an agonizingly slow self-destruction. Still,The Libertinehas lurid Saturnalian visions, Morton is superb, Malkovich gives a typically insidious turn, and Depp, as always, finds moments of sad poetry in the bitterest of speeches.--Bret Fetzer
Poorly developed story, horrible cinematography Like many of the reviewers, I am a fan of both Depp and Malcovich, and that is why I watched this movie. It never came to a theatre near me and now I know why. This screenplay was poorly written and the storyline did not develop in a clear and concise manner. I was often left confused, wondering what had just happened, because is was assumed that the viewer had complete knowledge of Rochester's life prior to viewing this film. I couldn't decided whether the story was focusing on Rochester's life or on his love affair with Elizabeth. Whichever it was, neither storyline was developed enough and it resulted in a dull movie with very little in the way of entertainment. The cinematography was awful. The picture was grainy, leaving me wondering if I had forgotten my glasses or that, perhaps, I had rented a bootleg copy of the film. While the acting was decent, nothing could help the horrible story and even worse cinematography. Don't waste your time.
Genius can elevate or destroy Wilmott's story goes deeper than depravty, womanizing&alcoholism-he believed there was nothing beyond this life but the grave. His writings were genius,but because his was a destructive personality predicated on his assumption that "Life is a short passage to the grave",he pretended nothing mattered. Frustrating was the scene when his mother burnt piles of his papers-who knows what great things Rochester might have contributed to the world. Mr.Depp's performance shows a man of his time-The Restoration. This was a period of anything goes as long as it thrills a bored Regent and the the British aristocracy.Mr. Malkovich is deft,perfect in his role as King Charles,a consummate performer. Wilmott was consumed by passions,by an extraordinary genius and the desire to do good-to care.But he quenched these fires in depravity and drink. In youth one believes in immortality. Too late we find the foolishness in this as I believe did Wilmot. Mr. Depp's portrayal is superb;he shows a man torn between his wanting to do the right thing and be accepted,even loved and the desire to distance himself,even hurt those he cares for. Wilmott was the rock star of his time;you can almost liken him to Jim Morrison,Jimi Hendrix,Janis Joplin. History is always written by the winners,the survivors. An altogether exceptional movie. Watch,enjoy,learn.Discusting I would have rated this movie lower, but you didn't have any negative numbers! I love Johnny Depp, but this movie was revolting, discusting and I was terribly disappointed. I'm sure it was accurate for the time period, but depravity is not my cup of tea! Guess I'm a prude.
