The Libertine - Sex, Drugs & Rococo

The libertine - What a film... Despite its murkiness, and turgid subject matter, Johnny gives what has to be, his most intricate and breathtaking performance. The first forty-five minutes focuses mainly on John Wilmot's drunken and lecherous ways, and the final forty-five minutes (roughly at around the time that Johnny removes his wig), the sad and awful truth of the life of Rochester kicks in, and from then on, its a cracking story. At the final scene as the light fades along with the haunting words of Rochester's final monologue, I don't think that I would be alone in saying that I was moved to goosebumps and spine chills. Depp is just so intense that frankly, he is beyond brilliant. If the academy don't recognise him this time, I will personally have 'words' with Mr Weinstein! On the whole, an absorbingly different film that deserves all credit.

One must see this film with a strong warning. It will repel you. Appropriately Johnny Depp does that in the opening scene, and that should suffice, but it doesn't prepare you for what is coming: a film that rivals the stylistic choices we have seen before in movies like "From Hell", experiences that were disturbing and annoying at the same time but we were also unable to stop watching.

There are some aspects of this film that will have people squirming in their seats, mainly its subject matter. It is very difficult to explore and discuss the dark side of the underbelly of society. It is impressive that there are studios that still try to take chances. In particular, it is remarkable that there are actors that are willing to dive in and portray characters that appear to have absolutely no redeeming qualities. Johnny Depp is a chameleon, a man who transforms himself into this decadent aristocrat, who probably recreates a human being that others would rather not even mention. There are scenes in this film that are astonishing because of their angle and because of the powerful interactions between two of the world's best performers. Whenever Depp and Samantha Morton, as his actress/protégée/lover are on the screen, one can feel the heat and passion they generate. It is also remarkable how good John Malkovich is in this film. There is some very fine acting here, and it should be recognized and honored accordingly.

It will probably be ignored because it is very hard to appreciate it. The film is shot in very dark, foggy, and almost impenetrable shads,an artistic choice that impairs our ability to truly take in what is happening in some of the scenes. It is an understandable move because it is after all, the recreation of one of humanity's darkest times. It is a courageous work of art, and one that demands multiple viewings. It is by no means perfect, but it is admirable, and it is as good as it can be because of Johnny Depp's remarkable turn. We can truly hope he keeps getting better and better.

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

I was a little unsure about renting this movie at first, simply because it did not seem like the typical adventurous, fun-filled and slightly over-the-top Johnny Depp movie. I did eventually rent it and did not regret it one bit. "The Libertine" is a masterfully arranged movie that manages to capture the dirty, grimy feel intended to be associated with Rochester, the people he knows, and the places he frequents. The movie relies heavily on the characters and hence on the actors, who do a magnificent job of keeping the story on its feet. Each actors was greatly convincing in his/her role, giving each character a very 'real' feel and enhancing the movie's impact. Lighting and sets, while not particularly pretty to the eye, are fitting in every way. All in all, this movie was a great success and has managed to penetrate (no pun intended) the barrier between entertaining and interesting.

'The Libertine' is a dark period drama that reminds one of Shakespearean tragedies. It can be watched as a wonderful character study as it takes a look at the Second Earl of Rochester during the Restoration period. He's a poet, a playwright and a tormented soul. He's a talented man but he's someone that dislikes life and his actions push 'cultural boundaries' that earn him more hatred from surrounding folks. We see in the initial stages of the film that he appears to be alright with being hated by so many but one thing, or person, changes it all...but perhaps it's too late for him.

Director Dunmore does a very impressive job of capturing the atmosphere of the time. The foggy melancholy, the brown poverty and the graying rot are some gloomy effects that finely contribute to this tragic piece. The costumes, lighting and set designs add to the gloominess. Though 'The Libertine' is a tragedy, it's filled with dark witty humour. The Earl's desire to have a painting with a monkey, the first scene at the bar and some of scenes between The Earl and Alcock are examples of such. However, Dunmore neglects many crucial parts of Wilmot's life which could have made the film and the character more interesting e.g. how much he loved his children and country, his relationship with his wife was very much a loving one etc...there are lots of historical inaccuracies.

Depp is both sublime and enigmatic and he brings the subtle humour and his character's torment, ambivalence and weakness with élan. One wonders why this performance didn't get as much recognition for in my humble opinion it's one of his best among the so many variety of wonderful characters he's articulately played. Samantha Morton indeed has a strong presence and of course delivers a fabulous performance. John Malkovich is adequate. It was great to see Richard Coyle and Jack Davenport in comedic roles that are upside downs of the characters they play in the famous sitcom 'Coupling'. Coyle is particularly effective as the Earl's loyal servant. Kelly Reilly does well in a small role and Rosamund Pike deserves special mention for giving her best performance and having a remarkable presence within an admirable cast.

'The Libertine' beautifully starts with a haunting monologue and ends with a sad one. It is a phenomenal study of a complex man, a man who rejected what he received but never got what he wanted. A superb film.