Rainey Dawn
One of the sexiest films Depp has ever been in... erotic overtones are strong with this one. Based on the last years of John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester and his Libertine ways of life.Wilmot is not just a Libertine but an artist, writer, produces plays and starts falling in love with his new plain Jane leading actress.Recommend to watch The Man Who Cried or Don Juan DeMarco for a great night of some serious Johnny Depp films.8.5/10
jaybour1
As an actor and director, I am constantly amazed at the laziness of many actors vis-à-vis researching their roles. (For example, there are innumerable instances of actors who blithely commit major grammatical errors when they're supposed to be playing erudite language professors - e.g., "between you and I" instead of the correct "between you and me.") In THE LIBERTINE, which takes place in the 17th century, Johnny Depp, when using the word "flaccid," pronounces it "flassid." Now, any actor worth his salt would have researched the etymology of this word and discovered that the pronunciation of the word among the literati throughout the 17th century was always "flaksid." It was only in the 19th century that the alternate pronunciation, regrettably, came into vogue. Depp's error occurred early in the film and basically ruined the experience for me because I could no longer take him seriously as the literate poet and wit, John Wilmot. Do your homework, Depp!
ursulahemard
This is a movie adaptation/dramatisation of a play, written by Stephen Jeffrey, based on the life of the infamous John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester (1 April 1647 – 26 July 1680), an English Libertine poet, a courtier of King Charles II, and the writer of much satirical and bawdy poetry. It's a movie about an admirable yet pitiful waste of a great talent, a cynic of his own golden age, and I think this is one of Johnny Depp's best performances, if not The Best of all his a career. His portrayal of the decadent, poetic rebel of 17th Century Restoration England, who in the end seeks for redemption, is spotless and exquisite! You have to be in tune with theatrical representations, poetry recitals and 17th Century English accents. The decadent Depp's poetry reciting and Samantha Morton's 'Opehlia' are mesmerising. The chemistry between the two is perfect and we are enthralled to watch their relationship develop first as teacher and pupil and then as lovers till separation. The entire movie was filmed with natural daylight and candles (lots of candles!!) therefore the cinematography looks rather rough and dilettante, but I guess it was intentional, to portray the atmosphere and filthiness of 17th Century life. The only thing I missed was a few period music pieces, some Purcell or Handel maybe instead of the quiet piano twinkling.Biographically it's pretty much accurate but historical events are over-dramatised.This is a period drama with a lot of visual and verbal sexuality and debauchery; therefore I rate this 18 and over!!!I loved it and will watch it again...with English subtitles though...to improve my shakespearean raunchy speech!!
paul2001sw-1
Most historical dramas follow a deadly-dull formula, based on pretty costumes, convention and romance. But 'The Libertine' is a wholly refreshing film, showing that it's possible to make an original period drama that shuns the formulae that mar many others. The film is boosted by terrific performances from the entire cast, and a poetic dialogue that has the feel of that of a 17th century play, but subtly infused with a naturalistic and contemporary flavour. The story is based on a real life libertine, and the court of Charles II was known for its debauchery, but I doubt the real figure was quite as extraordinary or publicly obscene as the character played here by Johnny Depp; but the world depicted here makes perfect sense in its own terms. And the creation of this world is really the film's entire point, as the plot is fairly linear and limited. But this is a movie of unusual flair and verve.
AD
