The Libertine (2004)

Director:

Laurence Dunmore

Writers:

Stephen Jeffreys (screenplay)
Stephen Jeffreys (play)

Release Date:

10 March 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

He didn't resist temptation. He pursued it.

Plot:

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.

Plot Keywords:

Charles II | Poet | Earl | Friend | Theater

Awards:

1 win & 7 nominations

Cast

Johnny Depp	...	Rochester
Paul Ritter	...	Chiffinch
John Malkovich	...	Charles II
Stanley Townsend	...	Keown
Francesca Annis	...	Countess
Rosamund Pike	...	Elizabeth Malet
Tom Hollander	...	Etherege
Johnny Vegas	...	Sackville
Richard Coyle	...	Alcock
Tom Burke	...	Vaughan
Hugh Sachs	...	Ratcliffe
Rupert Friend	...	Downs
Kelly Reilly	...	Jane
Jack Davenport	...	Harris
Trudi Jackson	...	Rose

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexuality including dialogue, violence and language.

Runtime:

114 min

Country:

UK | Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

UK:18 | Ireland:18 | USA:R | Finland:K-15 | France:U | Singapore:R21 | Portugal:M/16 | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Iceland:16 | Australia:MA | Netherlands:12 | Italy:VM14 | Sweden:11 | Malaysia:(Banned) | Argentina:16 | Brazil:16 | Hong Kong:IIB | Canada:14A (Ontario) | Spain:18 | South Korea:18 | Japan:R-15

Filming Locations:

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, UK

Company:

Weinstein Company, The

Trivia:

John Malkovich had previously worked with Laurence Dunmore on a commercial, and loved working with him so much he recommended him to the producers.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: When Rochester returns home, the carriage gets stuck in the mud so he gets out and walks towards the house. He's met by his wife. Rochester says, "Madam. This driveway will not do." The word "driveway" didn't come into use until around 1865 (according to dictionary.com) - about two hundred years after Rochester's death.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Rochester: 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. Ladies, an announcement: I am up for it, all the time...

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: (2006-01-07)" (2006)

Soundtrack:

Rochester's Farewell

The Libetine, A Dunmore/Depp Magnum Opus!

My experience in viewing Laurence Dunmore's The Libertine at the Toronto Film Festival left me overwhelmed and in a high emotional state of awe and praise. The dramatic opening prolog was enough to convince me that Johnny Depp is the life force in this powerful film. He is more than an actor portraying a character, he is a force that knows no limitations nor will stop at anything. His performance in The Libertine had such an effect, that I was overwhelmed and moved to the point of tears and fear. Once sitting in the darkened theater, I was not prepared for what I was about to witness. Slowly, coming into view, his beautiful face emerges as big as life itself and from his sinister and well formed sensual lips he speaks the words, "You're not going to like me." From there, this man gives the most gut wrenching speech I have ever heard. This is Johnny Depp like you've never seen before. Powerful, intense, and compelling are an understatement. I felt as if I were hit between the eyes with a forty-five automatic and left spent without even remembering the act. Even Laurence Dunmore could not say enough about Johnny's performance and I give him high praise for his art in progress. In my opinion Dunmore handed the reins to Johnny allowing him to play the Earl without restraint. Not only was Dunmore courageous with that decision, he was brilliant in doing so.

This period piece about the wretched Earl of Rochester has him go through incredible transformations and, willingly, pulled me along with each gritty step. I loved him, I despised him and I wanted him. Most of all, I felt him in my soul and this I will never forget. This Oscar worthy performance by Johnny Deep truly needs to be experienced.

The film was the perfect vehicle in allowing Laurence Dunmore his creativity to soar with its wonderfully wicked and gritty feel and intense acting from Johnny Depp and Samantha Morton. John Malkovitch was superb as well, however, I would have liked to have seen more scenes with him and Mr. Depp.

After watching Johnny Depp in The Libertine, I am convinced, he is a powerful force who, not only took my breath away, but held me on his rock hard pedestal and kissed my soul.