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Libertine (The)
- Director: Laurence Dunmore
- Writer: Stephen Jeffreys
- Producer: Chase Bailey; Mairi Bett
CGiii Comment
An ugly ode to debauchery - beautifully filmed and magnificently played.
Depp's performance is sublime - his expressions are masterful and instinctive.
The bisexuality of the Earl is downplayed and the 'gay' kiss made it only to the cutting-room floor - all in the name of marketing.
It is a remarkable film in every way - the lighting alone is worthy every award going.
The only complaint is The Libertine was practically ignored (because of its subject matter no doubt) by all the award-giving bodies.
Depp deserved every accolade.
A stunning work.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
In 1660, with the return of Charles II to the English throne, theater, the visual arts, science and sexual promiscuity flourish. Thirteen years later, in the midst of political and economical problems, Charles II asks for the return of his friend John Wilmot, aka the second Earl of Rochester, from exile back to London. John is a morally-corrupt drunkard and a sexually- active cynical poet. When the King asks John to prepare a play for the French ambassador so as to please him, John meets the aspiring actress Elizabeth Barry in the playhouse and decides to make her into a great star. He falls in love with her and she becomes his mistress. During the presentation to the Frenchman, he falls into disgrace with the court. When he was thirty-three years old and dying of syphilis and alcoholism, he converts to being a religious man.
Cast & Characters
Johnny Depp as Rochester;
Paul Ritter as Chiffinch;
John Malkovich as Charles II;
Stanley Townsend as Keown;
Francesca Annis as Countess;
Rosamund Pike as Elizabeth Malet;
Tom Hollander as Etherege;
Johnny Vegas as Sackville;
Richard Coyle as Alcock;
Tom Burke as Vaughan;
Hugh Sachs as Ratcliffe;
Rupert Friend as Downs;
Kelly Reilly as Jane;
Jack Davenport as Harris;
Trudi Jackson as Rose