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The Libertine . . .

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Somebody please tell me what to think of this. Depp was terrific. Malkovich was terrific. Everybody was really good. But, what did I see? Dark, morose, moody, pointless . . . well, nearly pointless. A sour and cynical English noble rakes around London, addicted to playhouses, whores, and the grape. He epitmoizes Malkovich's Restoration and stays out of his favor as much as in. When the King asks Depp for his biggest favor, he . . .
I realized that Depp has NEVER played a straight role in his career that I've seen. He is the ultimate character actor and, at that, he excells. His brief opening monologue grasps your attention--what will I see? The dialogue is often lofty but contemporary in its own way. It is filmed in a dark, almost sepia that sets the tone for Depp's performance and his dissapated life-style.
This film is not for everybody. I'm not so sure it was for me. Four people did walk out within the first twenty minutes--but what the hell, this is the Bible Belt.

Follow Ups:

The problem for me was.... - Harmonia 19:36:22 03/14/06 (1)
...all the vice was so damned cheerless.
The real John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, although he was every bit as dissolute as the film's title character, had something vital that both the screenplay and this film sorely lacked - wit. 2 hours of gorgeous debauchery was not enough to sustain The Libertine for me, not even with Depp in superb form. I confess to disappointed.
I recommend 1995's Restoration as a romp for respite.
- It was somewhat of a wrist slasher being a mirthless testament to a Brit semi-Sade . . . - mr grits 21:01:25 03/14/06 (0)
  His martial third base drove an older couple right out of the theatre . . and you know how early on that was! There was no cheer, plus Malkovich's Chuck 2 was no giggle either.
belt up!!... - dave c 16:39:23 03/13/06 (0)
...I don't think I've seen that. From your description, it sounds right up my street... or at least right up my backalley!

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