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I was enthralled from the opening credits and the marvellous music. I did not know the story well and just sat back and enjoyed it. Burton has produced a masterpiece and yet the film is not nominated for any awards except best actor (and yet again Depp will be ignored?) what does this amazing actor have to do to win an Oscar. People say they don't matter, well they do when you are as talented as Johnny Depp; without doubt this is the best piece of work that he and Burton have ever done.

The bright colour scenes of Mrs Lubbock's dream are reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, in the way that Burton used bled colour to make it too bright in stark contrast to the Gothic, dimly lit London. The scene of the pie shop where she sings that her pies are so awful is art directed to perfection, showing the filth and vileness of her disgusting shop. You feel your stomach churning at the sight of the cockroaches as she sings and beats the pastry. The cast is superb nobody wrong for the role. How audience will receive this film is hard to say but if you like Burton's work you will adore this. I cannot wait to get it on DVD later this year to watch it again and again.

At last available on DVD from May 5th (Region 2) this extraordinary film at last can be watched again and again. What a travesty that Johnny Depp was not afforded even an Oscar nomination for his dazzling performance as John Wilmot. It makes me realise that the Academy is a nonsense, and as good as Philip Seymour Hoffman was in Capote, Depp outshines him in every sense. Perhaps the genre is not popular with the members although many actors can win Oscars even if their film itself does not get a nomination. Others have written so eloquently about The Libertine that I am not going to say anymore other than this: watch it and be amazed at Johnny Depp's quite incredible performance. Parts of it will tear your heart out and you will come to understand just what an amazing actor he is and how it is high time he received the recognition that he so richly deserves. Nobody else could have fulfilled this role, it seems that his versatility knows no bounds.He probably does not care one jot but as an ardent fan I am tired of his talent being ignored.