JohnDoe
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The Libertine (2004)
The Libertine
DVD Cover
Writer: Stephen Jeffreys
Starring: Johnny Depp, Samantha Morton, John Malkovich, Stanley Townsend, Francessca Ennis,
"That would not be appropriate for a man of breeding." - John Wilmot
A debaucherous salute to the lascivious and cunning-linguist, the Earl of Rochester.
The Libertine is a tragic comedy focusing exclusively on the life and messy times of the Earl, John Wilmot (Johnny Depp).
"Mrs. Barry, you must acquire the trick of ignoring those who do not like you. In my experience, those who do not like you fall into two categories: The stupid and the envious. The stupid will like you in five years time. The envious, never." - John Wilmot
Driven by the whims of the flesh, conquests for conquests sake, we meet the Earl. Outlandish in manner, verbosely telling us of his drinking and wenching, regailing with boasts of his self destructive nature.
"I don't mean to upset people, but I must speak my mind. For what's in my mind is far more interesting than what's outside my mind." - John Wilmot
Breaking social and theological taboos with hedonistic abandon, historically Wilmot is remembered alongside the Marque de Sade for challenging society with its own darker selves and rampant sexual desire.
"I thought about putting you in the tower. I even considered putting your head on a spike. But I decided on something worse. I'm going to ignore you. I will no longer encourage any hope in my breast for you. I am condemning you to be you for the rest of your life." - King Charles II
Living his art, as with most of the boldest writers we see a genius but also an emotionally detached, eccentric who could have just as easily ended up in the Cuckoo’s Nest.
"I handed you a chance to show your shining talent and what do you give me in return? A pornographic representation of a royal court where the men only deal in buggery and the women's sole object of interest is the dildo!" - King Charles II
Uninspired, living in his friend Charles II (John Malkovich’s) shadow and seeking a vessel to express himself, the Earl finds a struggling young actress with raw skills that he wishes to mold. Desire and obsession soon follow as we track the descent of a talented, eloquent drunk drowning in his demons, aspirations and decadence.
"So here he lies at the last. The deathbed convert. The pious debauchee. Could not dance a half measure, could I? Give me wine, I drain the dregs and toss the empty bottle at the world. Show me our Lord Jesus in agony and I mount the cross and steal his nails for my own palms. There I go, shuffling from the world. My dribble fresh upon the bible. I look upon a pinhead and I see angels dancing. Well? Do you like me now? Do you like me now? Do you like me now? Do you like me... now?" - John Wilmot
So fancy a bit of the old in out, in out sis?
John Doe says
The Libertine is a heady tale ripe in lust, literature and loneliness. Basking in the mythical exploits of the man, this character driven period drama adds dimension to its theatrical roots courtesy of raw cinematography and a documentary feel.
Held up by an immersed, concentrated performance from its leading man, the refreshing low gloss Direction from first timer Laurence Jeffreys gives us an alternate, less frilly perception of this often polished era. The lived in look of the costumes and make up is ideal.
Captured by impulsive camera work primarily shot in playhouses, bars and mansions, the interiors add a caged animal quality to the cast’s individual performances.
Relying on its ironic screenplay Stephen Jefferies adapted his own work with seeming ease. The nuanced dialogue delves into the mechanisms of all the players to reveal a fictional truth about the much maligned Earl of Rochester.
Johnny Depp (Dead Man, Ed Wood, Before Night Falls, The Man Who Cried, The Ninth Gate, Sleepy Hollow, The Brave, Donnie Brasco) lodges another brilliantly rendered role of mixed emotions. He burrows deeper inside the part as his external appearance becomes more diseased. The Earl’s gestures and constant criticism of his surroundings amuse on the surface but Depp also communicates how they mask sadness.
John Malkovich (Shadow of The Vampire, The Dancer Upstairs, Empire of The Sun, In the Line of Fire) as the King again finds some new mannerisms to add to his repotoire of quirks.
Rosumund Pike (Fracture) as Elizabeth, the object of tarnished bounty is strong and believable. Stanley Townsend and Francesca Annis (Krull) also stand out.
John Doe enjoyed the humour, loose camera work and inevitable doom but it’s Johnny Depp that ensures that even when things are at their bleakest you must watch.
After much delay and debate about marketing JD is just happy we finally get a Australian DVD release for what ends up being a powerful and heart felt work that deserves to be seen.
The DvD:
Transfer: 2:30:1 Widescreen/5.1 Dolby Digital
Extras:Directors Commentary, Deleted Scenes and Trailer.
The Trailer
Introducing the Earl of Rochester- Opening Monologue
Johnny Depp getting his make up done
Horrorphile
Celebrity Obsession
Might have to check this one out.
Film & TV on DVD
This one didn't look or feel like a traditional period piece. The lushious opulence was replaced by a grimy reality, so you may like it.
Depp's performance is superb and ranks alongside his best characters.
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