page 34
! There May Be SPOILERS
in
the movie reviews !
You can pre-order the Libetine DVD
page 34
! There May Be SPOILERS
in
the movie reviews !
You can pre-order the Libetine DVD
Genius Products and The Weinstein Company have pushed back the street date for Laurence Dunmore's "The Libertine", which stars Johnny Depp (Charlie and the Chocoalate Factory, Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3), John Malkovich (Colour Me Kubrik, Being John Malkovich) and Rosamund Pike (Doom, Pride and Predjudice). Originally scheduled for June 27, 2006 release, it will now be hitting shelves on July 4, 2006. Specs still have yet TBA. Stay tuned, we will bring you the latest details as soon as they arrive.
Adapted by Stephen Jeffreys from his own play, this is based on the true story of John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester, who was a poet, courtier and notorious rake. Johnny Depp stars in "The Libertine" as the scandalously decadent John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester.
The film follows the Earl's adventures in London, from his passionate
romance with a young actress, Elizabeth Barry (Samantha Morton), to the
writing of a scurrilous play which blisteringly and bawdily lampoons the
very monarch who commissioned it, Charles II (John Malkovich), leading
to the Earl's banishment and eventual downfall.
Genius Products will be releasing director Laurence Dunmore's gripping and powerful drama "The Libertine", which stars Johnny Depp (Charlie and the Chocoalate Factory, Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3), John Malkovich (Colour Me Kubrik, Being John Malkovich) and Rosamund Pike (Doom, Pride and Predjudice) onto DVD June 27th. No further news is available at this time. Stay tuned, we will bring you the latest details as soon as they arrive.
Adapted by Stephen Jeffreys from his own play, this is based on the true story of John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester, who was a poet, courtier and notorious rake. Johnny Depp stars in "The Libertine" as the scandalously decadent John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester.
The film follows the Earl's adventures in London, from his passionate
romance with a young actress, Elizabeth Barry (Samantha Morton), to the
writing of a scurrilous play which blisteringly and bawdily lampoons the
very monarch who commissioned it, Charles II (John Malkovich), leading
to the Earl's banishment and eventual downfall.
When Johnny Depp crashes an otherwise dull period drama, "The Libertine"
is what happens.
An odd composition of stolid chamber drama and manic acting by its
magnetic star, the movie makes for an occasionally invigorating experience
that is too predictable and mannered for its own good. "The Libertine"
definitely won't suit most tastes, but it's a can't-miss for any Depp fanatic.
Set during England's mid- to late-17th-century Restoration period, noted for its revival of theater, the biopic covers the life of poet and playwright John Wilmot, the Second Earl of Rochester. A carouser and scoundrel who lives to drink and debauch, he goes by Johnny and his manners are such that he looks women straight in the breasts when he speaks at them.
Depp embraces his role with flourish, letting salaciousness and overconfidence
flow through his being. Johnny is a charismatic presence that simultaneously
tantalizes and disgusts all beings he comes across. Depp mixes a bit of
his devil-may-care "Pirates of the Caribbean" vibe with his "Charlie and
the Chocolate Factory" otherworldliness into a complex and commanding blend.
Pompous and irascible, Johnny tries the patience of all around him,
especially King Charles II (John Malkovich), whom Johnny addresses as though
he were a servant. The monarch first only seems to tolerate Johnny's insolence
out of family connections and a need to be liked. As the story wears on,
it becomes clear that Charles puts up with the shenanigans because he sees
potential for nobility and an illuminating social consciousness underneath
Johnny's cynicism and anger.
Johnny openly resents his noble means, flouting societal niceties at every turn. He gets drunk and womanizes, not particularly because he craves the buzz of alcohol or the exuberance of romance, but for his own private way of ridiculing his existence. He is audacious to the point of farce, taking in a thief as a servant and commanding him to sleep with a prostitute. Johnny also bullies his wife out of a portrait sitting so he can pose with a monkey.
He falls in love with the one woman who doesn't wilt in his presence, actress Elizabeth Berry (Samantha Morton). Johnny becomes enraptured with Berry after witnessing her bomb on stage. Johnny decides to take Berry under his wing, acting as her mentor, acting coach and . . . more. Berry is as ostentatious as Johnny and only grudgingly consents to the help while keeping him at arm's length. Johnny is so sure she'll be successful that he bets a friend he'll turn her into London's most celebrated actress.
Berry, like the viewing audience, quickly sickens of Johnny's antics. A man who doesn't trust himself can't be trusted by others, and Johnny's comeuppance, meted out by unrequited love and illness, is weirdly gratifying.
In the prologue, Johnny stares directly into the camera and defiantly
bellows, "You will not like me." He's only too right.
March 6, 2006
Oscar®-nominated actor JOHNNY DEPP trades in his pirate's sword for a writer's pen in the controversial dramatic film 'The Libertine,' in theaters March 10.
The movie takes place in 17th century London, and follows the rise and inevitable fall of notorious, real-life poet JOHN WILMOT, the Earl of Rochester (Depp), as he romances the beautiful young actress ELIZABETH BARRY (SAMANTHA MORTON) and partakes in a wild life of debauchery.
In 'Libertine,' Wilmot is commissioned to write a play by KING CHARLES II [JOHN MALKOVICH], and the scandalous script that he comes up with earns him banishment and disgrace.
In the present day, Wilmot is celebrated not only for his poetic genius, but also his strong belief in personal freedom and liberty-- hence the film's title.
The 'Libertine' screenplay was written by STEPHEN JEFFREYS, and is based on Jeffreys' stage play of the same name.
Watch ET for more with Johnny and 'The Libertine'!
Legal Stuff: libertine and the characters,
events, items, and places therein are trademarks Odyssey Entertianment.
Copyrights and trademarks for the books and films are held by their respective
owners and their use is allowed under the
fair use clause of the Copyright Law. This site has no intention to
infringe on the rights of the film owners The libertine of and intellectual
copyright holders of the movies mentioned herein & hold copyright over
the movie, characters, merchandise & storyline.