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The Libertine
2004 114 min United Kingdom, United States of America R 18+
★5.9
Drama, Romance
Director: Laurence Dunmore
Trailers
Description
The story of John Wilmot, a.k.a. the Earl of Rochester, a 17th century poet who famously drank and debauched his way to an early grave, only to earn posthumous critical acclaim for his life's work.
Budget:
$11M
US Gross:
$4.84M
Worldwide:
$10.9M
Starring
Johnny Depp
Actor
Samantha Morton
Actor
John Malkovich
Actor
Awards
2 wins & 8 nominations total
Key opinion
The Libertine is widely regarded as a raw, atmospheric, and deeply psychological character study that centers on Johnny Depp's transformative performance. While some viewers appreciate its theater-like, transgressive nature, others find the shift from satirical wit to dark tragedy jarring, leading to polarized views on its overall impact.
| Acting | Johnny Depp delivers a powerful and haunting performance that anchors the film's exploration of genius and self-destruction. | |
| Production | The film creates a visceral, immersive atmosphere that effectively mirrors the protagonist's descent into moral and physical decay. | |
| Acting | John Malkovich provides a brilliant, understated contrast to the lead as a stoic and weary King Charles II. | |
| Theme | The film is a bold, challenging piece of cinema that prioritizes philosophical depth and authentic characterization over a traditional, polished narrative. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are divided, with some praising the sharp, provocative dialogue and others feeling the transition from darkly comedic satire in the first half to bleak, unoriginal tragedy in the second is uneven. |