Recent Reviews for The Libertine
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MCT:June 30, 2008Lit by candlelight like Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon", the Libertine is a visually enticing, wonderfully performed and thematically flat film. Johnny Depp plays the Ear Of Rochester, whose soul preocupations in life are offending the aristocracy, and the ...(read more)pursuits of sex and drink. All until he meets a young actress who catches his heart, but refuses to submit to his loves and charms. Well, then he continues on a nihilistic path to self destruction which leads to syphillis (where special effects make Johnny Depp look like Tom Cruise in Interview With The Vampire after he'd been set on fire and left to die in the Louisianna swamps with only frogs and flies to eat).
The problem with this film isnt the actors who all do fine jobs, and have generally fitting and wity entertaining dialogues a caliber above 90 percent of most period and costume pieces like this. The problem is the Earl's protests and desires to communicate the truth in face of hypocricy, plays out more like a spoiled rich kid who wants to wallow in his own shit, so long as he can be king of the hill. Unlike a better film "Quills" where the hypocricy of the french revolution and the middle class stand as direct opposition for the Marqui De Sade and his pornographic nihilist ravings, almost every character seems more reasonable, adult, and understanding of the Earl's pains, problems, and desires, than the Earl himself.
By the end you don't like him, and feel a little sorry because he's got syphallis and that will ruin anyone's weekend. But overall there's just nothing that really holds this story together but the undericted rage and despiar of a junky who wants to die romantically, and ends looking like day old shit.
John Malkovich, Depp, and Julia Hickman especially turn in great performances, and the film does have a shadowy sensual feel to it, but when all's said and done, it's just another bawdy costume drama. -
MCT:June 26, 2008A chillingly dark and deep tale about the value of life. Featuring superb acting, scenery and cinematography.
This film left me with a powerful message of how important lessons can be learned from stories, and from the mistakes of others.
In this film the second Earl of Rochester (Depp) was ordered to create a literary masterpiece by his King. He does so but not by writing it but by living the mistakes for teh benefit of his audience. -
MCT:June 24, 2008The film is a little flat at times and hilarious at other times. Undoubtedly Johnny Depp fills the role of John Wilmot perfectly.
"She gives a good gobble, but won't do the full wibbly-wobbly!" - Charles Sackville
"All men need the Whore House and the Inn." - John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester. -
MCT:June 23, 2008Rochester: "Allow me to be frank at the commencement. You will not like me. The gentlemen will be envious and the ladies will be repelled. You will not like me now and you will like me a good deal less as we go on."
Beautifully shot, brilliantly acted, The Libertine displays the debauchery that was 17th century England. Johnny Depp, as John Wilmont, 2nd Earl of Rochester, shows (once again) why he is one of the greatest character actors of our time. Samantha Morton and Rosamund Pike are stellar as Wilmont's love interests (lover and long-suffering wife). John Malkovich as Charles II, rounds out this great cast.
This film is not for the prudish or those with what I call "virgin ears"- that is my warning to you. -
MCT:June 18, 2008I want to see cause Johnny Depp's init, but my mom saw it and said it would make a good adult movie.!
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MCT:June 16, 2008Dang this movie was good...even though Johnny looked ugly at the end, I knew he was still the hot, sexy, gorgeous
Johnny on the inside! Even though I think it would've been a tad akward for him to be...ahem, "playing" with other girls in the movie, even though I'm pretty sure him and Vanessa had a child by then...lol -
MCT:June 16, 2008The film is a little flat at times and hilarious at other times. Undoubtedly Johnny Depp fills the role of John Wilmot perfectly.
"She gives a good gobble, but won't do the full wibbly-wobbly!" - Charles Sackville
"All men need the Whore House and the Inn." - John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester. -
MCT:June 15, 2008
This movie really made no sense to me, as i am to understand it we are watching the 'second earl of rochester's' life, from his debouchery to his eventual downfall.
which i understand.... if he actually did something with his life. Watching this movie all he was good at was being a rebel of his time. Everything he did was done outside the lines.
This film is definitly not for everyone and while its not exactly controversial (weve seen it all before) it is graphic and plays out more like porn. -
MCT:June 13, 2008
Good period piece and shot in almost Sepia colorization which brings out the realitiy.Great acting, but this movie is not for all eyes (nudity,language and provacative play)
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MCT:June 12, 2008
Could have been more, what with the acting talent of John Malkovich and Johnny Depp. Thing is, 'The Libertine' tries too hard to be controversial, even though what is seen is everyday docudrama material. Like handing out dildos to your audience or getting a blowjob on stage? It may be funny, and it does stick, but it's not like we haven't seen the same type of thing before.
After 'Pirates', I'm sure some viewers may find Depp a bit too serious. But he is, and not in comparison. Wilmot's dry humour kind of slips off his tongue without being witty or charismatic. We are unable to sympathise with Wilmot. He's just some guy who wrote plays, slept around and eventually, died. For once, I criticize the way Depp handles the script.
All in all, it's very enjoyable, but not special. -
MCT:May 28, 2008
There are so many things to like about this movie besides the great cast of actors.
There was a real sense of having a bird's eye view of what it must have been like to live through that period of history, albeit on the seamy side of life. Certainly no penicillin available to save their sins. -
MCT:May 17, 2008
en esta peli vemos a Johnny interpretando al segundo conde de Rochester, un artista que alcanza popularidad con su personalidad libertina y rebelde.
Es muy buena. -
MCT:May 16, 2008
Loved this movie, possibly because of Johnny Depp, but I can't believe his face rots. Dirty bastard! lol
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MCT:May 15, 2008
I love seeing Johnny Depp act and I love most of his moves but this wasnt one of them. Dont get me wrong he gave a great performance.
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MCT:May 12, 2008
Johnny Depps performance was really good as Rochester but I am afraid to say that I think the plot was a bit lame. That is my opinion anyway. Was a bit of a boring film aswell. I dont think that it was well directed by Laurence Dunmore.
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MCT:May 9, 2008
The film isn't that good, but Depp's performance at the begining and end of the movie make it worth while! He's simply brilliant at his monologues! To that I give 5 stars!
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MCT:May 3, 2008
"I don't mean to upset people, but I must speak my mind. For what's in my mind is far more interesting than what's outside my mind."
The Libertine is one of Johnny Depp's finest performances, and overall a simply brilliant movie. From it's more disturbing yet striking scenes to it's powerful and unique story; I couldn't wish for anything more from this movie.
Taking place in the 17th century, The Libertine centres around the life of John Wilmont, aka the Earl of Rochester. He is a corrupt, drunk and sexually active cynical poet, who has a distinctive love for the theatre. As the film goes on, we are witnessed to his reputation of being liked by the ladies, drinking, shagging and his sexual play. This usually wouldn't be a movie that I would choose to watch, but Johnny Depp made it an instant must-see for me, and I am now very happy and pleasantly surprised with my verdict.
Johnny Depp has given one of his best performances in The Libertine, once again showing what an incredible actor he is and what versatility he has between his various acting roles. John Malkovich has another exceptional movie added to his filmography, while there were other great performances from Rosamund Pike, Jack Davenport and Samantha Morton.
I highly recommend this movie, even just to see for yourself what it is like. I can't guarantee that everyone will like it, but it should at least be an interesting experience. -
MCT:April 26, 2008
"The entire piece has been devised with the French in mind. In France, fornication in the streets with total strangers is compulsory."
The Libertine is a criminally underrated drama set during the 17th century. The film tells the fascinating latter life tale of the 2nd Earl of Rochester, John Wilmot (Depp).
During the period in which he lived, society was obsessed with everything sex related; whores were all over the streets, men cheated on their wives at brothels, etc. Wilmot was a man who was completely obsessed with sex (as told in the opening prologue; he is up for it "at any time" and with any gender).
The film examines the passionate romance Wilmot had with a young actress named Elizabeth Barry (Morton), and the phase Wilmot had with poetry.
Johnny Depp's performance is sensational like always; he plays his role to perfection, displaying depth and serious talent. Samantha Morton and Rosamund Pike are both extremely good as well; they both portray love interests for Wilmot. John Malkovich is also thrown into the mix here as well, playing yet another memorable character.
The Libertine is a very unique, one-of-a-kind movie. Throughout the running time, there is non-stop explicit sexual dialogue and frequent uses of quite shocking words (the c-word is used very often here), not to mention very sensual scenes including brief nudity and very mature themes.
Wilmot's story is one of self-betrayal, squandered talents and unrealised potential. If he had focused more on realising his potential as a writer, he could have been another Shakespeare. Instead his life was dedicated to sex and little else.
The Libertine is not a movie for all tastes. Many scenes include sickening dialogue, disturbing imagery and explicit language. Many people dislike it due to this fact, but this was the lifestyle of the people during the 17th century; alcohol, sex, bad language.
Having said that, the film is extremely funny at times and has a great deal of surprises along the way. The fascinating storytelling makes this very worthwhile viewing. I recommend the movie; it's very entertaining, very poignant and very well made. -
MCT:April 18, 2008
"I don't mean to upset people, but I must speak my mind. For what's in my mind is far more interesting than what's outside my mind."
The Libertine is one of Johnny Depp's finest performances, and overall a simply brilliant movie. From it's more disturbing yet striking scenes to it's powerful and unique story; I couldn't wish for anything more from this movie.
Taking place in the 17th century, The Libertine centres around the life of John Wilmont, aka the Earl of Rochester. He is a corrupt, drunk and sexually active cynical poet, who has a distinctive love for the theatre. As the film goes on, we are witnessed to his reputation of being liked by the ladies, drinking, shagging and his sexual play. This usually wouldn't be a movie that I would choose to watch, but Johnny Depp made it an instant must-see for me, and I am now very happy and pleasantly surprised with my verdict.
Johnny Depp has given one of his best performances in The Libertine, once again showing what an incredible actor he is and what versatility he has between his various acting roles. John Malkovich has another exceptional movie added to his filmography, while there were other great performances from Rosamund Pike, Jack Davenport and Samantha Morton.
I highly recommend this movie, even just to see for yourself what it is like. I can't guarantee that everyone will like it, but it should at least be an interesting experience. -
MCT:April 15, 2008This is when bad movies happen to great actors. I thought Johnny Depp acting in this was great...but the movie sucked. It was alot of drawn out talking that wasn't very interesting.
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MCT:April 1, 2008
OWN - Saw this the first time, didn't really like it. But after the second time, it seemed really sad. :(
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MCT:March 28, 2008
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.
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MCT:March 25, 2008
I don't quite know where to start with this one.
Definately warrants an 18 - but slightly surprised it wasn't banned to be honest.
Found Johhny talking dirty quite - well amusing but as it went on the rudeness got more and more funny/embarressing.
Yes Johnny and Sam Morton are great - quite sur...(read more)pised to see Johnny Vegas in it as well - but I only kept watching to see how much ruder it could get! -
MCT:March 24, 2008The 2 stars is only for Johnny Depp..His acting is superb!!
I didnt enjoy the movie all that much, but his character went through HELL. -
MCT:March 14, 2008
"I don't mean to upset people, but I must speak my mind. For what's in my mind is far more interesting than what's outside my mind."
The Libertine is one of Johnny Depp's finest performances, and overall a simply brilliant movie. From it's more disturbing yet striking scenes to it's powerful and unique story; I couldn't wish for anything more from this movie.
Taking place in the 17th century, The Libertine centres around the life of John Wilmont, aka the Earl of Rochester. He is a corrupt, drunk and sexually active cynical poet, who has a distinctive love for the theatre. As the film goes on, we are witnessed to his reputation of being liked by the ladies, drinking, shagging and his sexual play. This usually wouldn't be a movie that I would choose to watch, but Johnny Depp made it an instant must-see for me, and I am now very happy and pleasantly surprised with my verdict.
Johnny Depp has given one of his best performances in The Libertine, once again showing what an incredible actor he is and what versatility he has between his various acting roles. John Malkovich has another exceptional movie added to his filmography, while there were other great performances from Rosamund Pike, Jack Davenport and Samantha Morton.
I highly recommend this movie, even just to see for yourself what it is like. I can't guarantee that everyone will like it, but it should at least be an interesting experience.
