The Libertine Movie Review 2005

Covering a portion of the life of the 17th century's famous degenerate the 2nd Earl of Rochester, John Wilmot (Depp). Depp's portrayal is well done, but the story eventually collapses under its own weight. A little taste of Wilmot's naughtiness might be interesting, even fun, but watching him destroy himself with dreadful behavior over and over begins to feel tiresome. Like watching a heavyweight prize fight, eventually you hope the fallen fighter just stays down, relieving everyone's pain.

Distribution

Weinstein Co. Home Entertainment, 345 Hudson St., 13th Fl., New York, NY 10014, Fax: (917)368-7058

Running time 130 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Period Piece: 17th Century, Great Britain, Royalty, British, Adapted from a Play, True Stories, Historical Drama

Screenplay

Stephen Jeffreys

Cast

Johnny Depp, Samantha Morton, John Malkovich, Rosamund Pike, Tom Hollander, Kelly Reilly, Jack Davenport, Richard Coyle, Francesca Annis, Rupert Friend, Clare Higgins, Johnny Vegas

Cinematography

Alexander Melman

Director

Laurence Dunmore

Music

Michael Nyman

Other

John Hayes, Roger Savage, Jill Bilcock, Patrick Rolfe, Dien van Straalen, Ben van Os

Producer

Lianne Halfon, John Malkovich, Russell Smith, Odyssey Entertainment, Isle of Man, Cineville/Picture Entertainment, Entertainment Film Productions, Weinstein Co.