Genres

Visitors Review

billpeter 2012-05-24 16:21:18

Robert De Niro eat your heart out

JCD2GIRL described watching this film as a "fortunate pleasure". Iregard watching this film as a bit like being present at my wife'semergency C-section; hardly a pleasure, but definitely a privilege.Watching an expert surgeon in action working with, almost brutal, butconfident expertise and precision. Watching Johnny Depp, John Malkovichand Rosamund Pike in action in this film wasn't a pleasure, but was aprivilege. Yes, Rosamund Pike, I found her performance far moreconvincing than Samantha Morton's. Her portrayal of her love forRochester at the end was heart-breaking. Enough has been said in otherreviews of Johnny Depp, but I'd like to suggest that both he and JohnMalkovich displayed acting talents that no-one else could, not even MrDe Niro. Johnny's performance from beginning to end was utterlymesmerising.

GhostMog 2012-05-24 07:58:58

God Awful

I saw this movie on the pretense that Depp is a phenomenal actor. Hemay be, but one actor can't save a movie. While buying the tickets itwas suggested that I reconsider and see something else, as the earlyshowings had lines of walkouts. I stuck to my guns and saw it anyway.I'm even proud to say I stayed, but only for the sick sense of selfpunishment. Watching this movie had the feeling of staring at a carwreck - where people are lying near the cars dying. I felt ashamed theentire time I watched but didn't want to look away for fear of missingsomething that could shame me more. While the movie was perverse onlyfor the sake of perversion, the movie was bad for other reasons aswell. The scenes jumped together with such reckless abandon that, attimes, I had no idea what was going on. Then once I realized what washappening, I came to figure out that I still didn't know what was goingon. This movie was hailed as being highly controversial. Honestly, theonly controversy I can think of, is arguments to the degree of how badthis movie truly was. This movie was simply a biography of a manundeserving. And as such is undeserving of an audience.

2012-05-23 10:05:28

There should be negative star ratings

This movie took too much time from my life and I want it back! One of the worst movies I've ever seen!!

gradyharp 2012-05-23 04:45:03

The Darker, Far More Interesting Side of Restoration England

THE LIBERTINE is one of the most atmospherically capturedstories/biographies/tales on film. Based on the highly regarded play ofthe same name by Stephen Jeffreys who thankfully transferred his poetryto the screen in a brilliant screenplay, THE LIBERTINE glows with asense of history, of social conscience, of the tawdry court of KingCharles II in England, and relates the brief but scandalous yetultimately poetic life of John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester(1647 - 1680). Laurence Dunmore directs with a pace that is rapid andsure and a feeling for the story that is uncannily real. The film maybit a bit heavy for some viewers, but for those who cherish the Englishlanguage written and spoken like Shakespearean poetry this film is abrilliant work.Johnny Depp as the Earl of Rochester delivers a dazzling portrayalcomplete with utter debauchery, incessant drinking, crude antics, razorsharp observations about life and the senses that marked the 33-yearlife of his character. From the open monologue about why he does notwant to be liked to the closing recapitulation, Depp is immersed inthis character, delivering a bravura performance bathed in Depp's giftto say as much with his eyes and his body language as with his deliveryof lines. As King Charles II John Malkovich gives his finest role todate, stepping down from his original habitation in the role of JohnWilmot he created on the Steppenwolf stage to offer a King riddled withproblems of a kingdom at odds with history and rampant with socialdisease. Rosamund Pike is radiant as Wilmot's frustrated and neglectedwife and Samantha Morton brings the actress Lizzie Barry to life as theonly woman Wilmot seemed to love - or was it really the theater heloved, the venue where he could allow his true motivations to beexperienced instead of being trapped in the body ruled by libido inwhich he lived, eventually dying of the Great Pox (syphilis) in awretchedly distorted body yet able in his last days to support themonarchy in an unexpected, highly dramatic appearance beforeParliament.The large and impressive supporting cast includes cameos by PaulRitter, Stanley Townsend, Francesca Annis, Tom Hollander, Johnny Vegas,Richard Coyle, Hugh Sachs, Tom Burke, Rupert Friend, Billy Downs, KellyReilly, Trudi Jackson, and Claire Higgins. The costumes and scenery,lighting and camera work are some of the finest we've seen in periodpieces. And the musical score by Michael Nyman is superb, worth owningas a CD if it becomes available.There is an added feature on the DVD about the making of the film andwatching it, with all the energy and love from the entire crew. Seeingthis kind of banter form a group committed to making a fine independentfilm only serves to whet the appetite to immediately watch thisexcellent movie again. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Grady Harp

sarah-sgraham 2012-05-22 06:05:41

Great historical drama with a modern feel..

You can tell that the LIbertine was made in a post-Trainspotting world- it's a period drama but a lot of the dialogue has the speed andpunchiness of modern dialogue such as Pulp Fiction. You have toconcentrate to keep up with it sometimes.I have to admit that myself and my husband got this movie purely on thestrength of Johnny Depp - and he didn't disappoint. I've yet to see himgive a less than committed or 'bad' performance, regardless of scriptor story. He is brilliant in it. I, myself, also really liked the storyand it prompted me to find out more about John Wilmot, the real like17th Century poet on whom the film/script was based. He sounds like afascinating character and I'm going to get as many books about him as Ican get my hands on. For that reason alone, this film is worth yourattention. I can't think of many films that had me so fascinated by thecentral character that I wanted to find out more afterwards.Highly recommended!

ivdavert 2012-05-21 18:26:06

Highly underrated movie

After reading a few articles in magazines and newspapers, I had becomequite curious about it. I was attracted to the dark and sinistermessage this film seemed to express, and I wasn't at all disappointed.Both Johnny's and Samantha's play are beautiful, and both the story andthe setting provide a great background for an indeed very dark, butnevertheless intriguing story. Most critics stated that Wilmot'spersona was well-played, but too dark and therefore unappealing to bethe single focus of this movie. As in movies like Fight Club or Se7en,it was the dark overall atmosphere which made me go watch it. If youwant to see a story with happy ends and a strong element of redemption,you might not want to see this movie. If you want to see strong playand an appalling, but gripping tale of self-destruction, this is yourflick.

2012-05-20 07:13:45

The Libertine

The subject matter may be a little strong for the average person, but a must see. The acting will blow you away.Johnny Depp is completely under recognized by the Academy.His range in this film is extrordinary.

ianharrywebb 2012-05-19 21:05:58

Thumbs up for Libertine and all the {mainly} British cast.

Okay its not for everyone but I enjoyed Libertine.By far better than The Constant Gardener {which seems to be thefavourite of the the thinking idiots} this would please me if it wonOscars for best film etc. LIBERTINE not T.C.G.A great performance from all the cast another pat on the back goes toMr Depp. I could at least sit through it again LIBERTINE that is, butnot The Constant Gardener. Its my opinion.Libertine is a film for grown ups.Go See It and please KEEP YOUR BLOODY MOBILE PHONES SWITCHED 'OFF' wecan see the BLEEDEN BLUE LIGHT!And for once I never was distracted by an idiot on his/her phone. Notwith this Filim.

raneparish 2012-05-15 23:05:59

A real bore and a waste of talent, time and money.

The Libertine starts off with a speech beautifully spoken by Mr. Depp.In it he announces that he doesn't want anyone to like him. Herein liesthe problem with the entire film: we don't like him or anyone else inthe story. He's a libertine with no sexual chemistry with any of hisco-stars. How any director or plot line could reduce Mr. Depp to such asexless state is a feat worth noting. I won't give away the ending butthe people sitting around me were panting for it's arrival. Half ofthem in my row left before the film meandered through an unlikely turnbefore keeling over on it's side like a lame horse. The art direction,like the ground beneath IL' Glue Boy was dark and muddy. In other words, if I was paid $100 to see this film, I'd feel cheatedout of the 2 hours lost from my life for such a small sum.

2012-05-15 18:07:11

THE LIBERTINE

I saw this film 8 times at the Cinema and found it extremely well portrayed especially Lord Rochester played by Johnny Depp. He is truely one of the best Actors we have of this modern age. Although I like his films like Pirates, films like The Libertine and The Man Who Cried shows him for his true acting. The reason for my buying the Region 1 copy of The Libertine is because I needed to see all the extras and sadly our R2 copies leave off all these. The extras are excelent especially as they show the locations where the film was made, as part of it was filmed at Montacute House which is 4 miles from where I live in the UK. I am really grateful be able to buy this DVD from yourselves, as it is one of my favourite films.

2012-05-10 06:02:28

Depp at his best

If you are a Johnny Depp fan, this work of art is by far at the top of the list. It is thrilling to see an actor so very talented and it is my opinion that there is no one in the field today that could have pulled this role off. It is indeed no comedy, and as dark as the night but to come away from the theatre unable to stop raving about his performance puts this movie on my list of viewing over and over again. It should have been an oscar for Depp. You may have never heard of the poet or of his short and sordid life but you WILL remember Depps protrayal of this man. True to life in costumes, scenery, props, conditions of the time and even down to the lighting. They may not be pretty or to our liking but the morals and lives in that period of time have been documented in history. Have an open mind, concentrate on Depp, his talent, go back in time with him in this period film and you will find out your answer to his question, "How do you like me now?" Yeah, he's got my vote.

2012-05-09 21:58:05

Magnificent! Acting at its finest. Innovative and captivating.

Finally! A role worthy of Depps ability as an actor. This was one ofthe finest films I have ever seen. It pulls no punches in theme orfashion. Expect to be revolted and inspired at once. This is not theplastic Jack Sparrow that spurts the expected pablum before winking inrecognition at the audience. This is acting at its finest. Cast andWriter Jeffreys take a scalpel to the nature of man and force you topeer into the darkest inner workings. Director Dunmore transports youto the 17th century by shedding the shackles of traditional lightingand camera-work. Many scenes are lit by actual candle light. - Have youthe stones to take a leap out of your comfort zone to seek truebrilliance? If so, The Libertine will not leave you unfulfilled.

VariablePenguin 2012-05-09 20:44:25

AWFUL waste of $15

I had the displeasure of seeing this movie. I wouldn't wish this on myworst enemy. It is the most vile piece of garbage ever.I really don't understand how Johnny Depp could want to do this movie.His character is the most vile cretin ever imaginable. I can understandwhy he'd never want to see himself on the screen after this movie. Bythe end he looks as disgusting as he is.The trailer was misleading. My fiancée showed me the preview and itlooks like it'll have horses and sword fights and the occasional TnA.But no, the only sword "fight" involves Depp's character's friendhitting a town guard and getting piked to the gut and Depp running offand saying I told you so to the other guy's body.Why oh why did I waste my money on this garbage? I want my $15 back.

2012-05-09 03:40:39

THE LIBERTINE

This review is from: The Libertine (DVD) I saw this film 8 times at the Cinema and found it extremely well portrayed especially Lord Rochester played by Johnny Depp. He is truely one of the best Actors we have of this modern age. Although I like his films like Pirates, films like The Libertine and The Man Who Cried shows him for his true acting. The reason for my buying the Region 1 copy of The Libertine is because I needed to see all the extras and sadly our R2 copies leave off all these. The extras are excelent especially as they show the locations where the film was made, as part of it was filmed at Montacute House which is 4 miles from where I live in the UK. I am really grateful be able to buy this DVD from yourselves, as it is one of my favourite films.

purplecleo 2012-05-04 14:45:52

You want me to put the camera where?

This film was just plain awful. The cinematography seemed to beintentionally botched up with accidentally bad results. The wit andsubtlety that always accompanies period films that center around witand subtlety was lacking in both the script and the acting. Thecostuming would have been passable if the filming had been executeddifferently, though every time a female actor was silent in a scene (orspeaking, for that matter) you saw half of her eyes and no eyebrows atall, because the shot was framed at her breasts which weredistractingly unsupported by their constantly half-laced corsets. Eventhe debauchery was unprovocative, boring and uninteresting.I must admit that, as always, Johnny Depp transformed himself entirelyinto John Wilmot. There was almost no trace of the actual Johnny Deppin the movie at all. He made the best of a bad script, but for theother actors I can't really say the same. Perhaps the script was simplytoo unforgivably bad.

2012-05-04 05:55:30

The Libertine DIM but DAZZLING

Camera work and lighting were awkward and I had trouble seeing things clearly in this film. Still, I liked the way it set the mood and I understand the director wanted this effect - that everything was lit with candles. It simply was difficult to see the actors at times and sound quality also seemed poor when I saw it in the cinema. I have to reinterate that the director did set the mood appropriately and the murkiness adds to the overall 'dirty feel' of this film. Rochester was obviously a crooked character. Speaking of which, JOHNNY DEPP is dazzling. An amazing actor, he never ceases to amaze me with his talent. The writing is witty and he carries off his lines expertly. The make up work portraying the decaying Rochester is superb. I ordered this on dvd so I can watch it over and over again- there is too much cleverness missed the first time round. This is a fine film and I recommend it, but only for the extremely mature due to the wicked subject matter.

shabels-1 2012-05-04 04:06:11

The Libertine

This film is definitely not for children. For consenting adults only.Johnny usually makes films of a bit more open nature, often forchildren as well as adults but not this one. It deals with severalforms of open sexuality as well as the results of syphilis which arenot pretty to see. I enjoyed the film but kept in mind that mostcritics are calling the cinematography "muddy" which it is. Virtuallyevery scene has a brownish quality. I don't know if that result was asintended or if it was an error. Either way, I went to a typicalAmerican film afterward and sort of missed the darker more Eurocentricview.

2012-05-03 09:35:33

Dramatic

As the film opens, Johnny Depp solemnly talks through the camera, looking us into the eye: `You will not like me.' But we know the list of the characters he had played in the past, and most of them shared a lot of idiosyncratic traits which could be easily off-putting by the hand of other less talented actors. Now, in `Libertine' Depp shows another example of his unique gift as an actor who manages to make us like one of the most debauched characters in real life, one John Wilmot or Earl of Rochester.I don't know anything about the person Depp plays, and probably you don't have to either. The life of poet/dramatist/quack doctor, anti-hero John Wilmot, based on the play by Stephen Jeffreys, follows the self-destructive course of almost every doomed artist: women, drink, and early death. Despite the dedicated and electrifying acting from Depp, the very raw and emotionally-charged performance from Rosamund Pike as his loving wife, and the convincing locations with mud, mud, mud and the great production designs by Ben van Oz (`Girl with a Pearl Earring'), the film somehow refuses to get truly involving except for several touching moments. Perhaps John Malkovich's portrayal of King Charles II who offers occasional help (with some contempt) is a bit detached and looks cold. Or Samantha Morton's actress Elizabeth, the only possible one who can offer the chance for the salvation of Rochester's soul, is slightly icy and a little too modern. Or the film's photography is too `natural,' sometimes too murky, and the camera is often too shaky and even out of focus.But most of all, the life story of Earl of Rochester, according to the film, looks like assorted from the various episodes that had been seen in other bio-pics like `Total Eclipse.' Not that the film depends on the stock characters and clich?d ideas, but the film is often episodic, the material definitely needs more sophisticated treatment and better storytelling to present the complexity of this artist. Only Johnny Depp seems to know the complicated nature of this character, establishing surprisingly sympathetic portrait of this hopelessly egotistic poet.

upp-north 2012-04-30 07:33:04

The Libertine

A great period Drama that has not been glossed over in any way with theHollywood magic wand. Depp proves himself as a fine Actor in this role.The sets and costumes are very believable and Authentic for that periodin History. I cannot understand why it has taken so long after the Filmwas made to actually release it. It's a film thats sets out to shockyet in the end make you think! I don't want to put any spoilers but itis definitely a film worth watching. Very cleverly adapted to screenand put together.The characters all believable.I enjoyed this film andrecommend but not to those easily offended. The " Pox " was dealt within a way as not to Glamourise Promiscuity which so many movies avoiddealing with that aspect of it .

2012-04-29 12:28:21

A dark and self-serving view of self and the world

This review is from: The Libertine (DVD) This film captures the atmosphere of 17th Century London during the Restoration of Charles II. Filmed in mist and candle light and fog, the film transports you to the 1680s. John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester, played wonderfully by Johnny Depp, is the subject of a dark play driven by the Nihilism and atheism of the poet and playwright. Wilmot demonstrates his skills in a wild orgy satire equating the sexual appetite of Charles II with political power. We are also treated to his sarcastic and sadistic iconoclastic personality that provides the entertainment in this bleak world-view of a highly self-destructive and talented man. With his exceptional intelligence, wit, and verbal skills, Wilmot can cut through any joy or inspiration to find the base and futile.John Wilmot, as a young man, abducts a beautiful and rich 18 year old heiress as his wife. He is pardoned and their life together becomes one of extreme frustration for his wife. Nothing she can do will impact his actions and nothing she can say will penetrate his thoughts. This part of the film is very good and his elegant and caring wife is in many ways the moral compass or anchor for the film by which we can see the pain Wilmot brings to him and to others. His Nihilism is insightfully self centered and egotistical, which may be a subtle commentary on those who adopt this philosophy of existence and social order (or lack thereof). To some degree Wilmot acts as a spoiled child trying to find the limits of his own behavior. He writes an outlandish and obscene play for the court of Charles II and whereas Charles II could have inflicted great punishment on Wilmot, he doesn't and notes that he is condemning Wilmot to be Wilmot. Wilmot has around him artists of a wild streak who are his fair weather and back-stabbing literary companions. Into this group comes a handsome young 18 year old man who is drawn to this dark group and especially to John Wilmot. Gradually during the film you see that Wilmot is bi-sexual and this young man becomes a boy-toy who pays a tragic price for being a handsome moth circling a heartless flame.However it is Wilmot's relationship to a young ambitious actress that provides wonderful dialogue around the theme of artifice and reality as Wilmot becomes her acting coach. Samantha Morton plays actress Lizzy Barry, who becomes a great actress through her emotional encounters with John Wilmot. It is Wilmot's gift to cut to the quick whenever he sees vulnerability or false illusions, a skill that an acting coach could put to great use. He cuts through Lizzy's self protective veneer which she uses when acting to spear her pain and vulnerability. It is to her credit that she allows the veil to fall and for her vulnerability to emerge, and yet to have the strength of the artist to use this insight to apply to her art. As he gradually disintegrates and self destructs, she emerges triumphant through her self-control and burning ambition to succeed. He has chosen to mock success and she has chosen to embrace it. He sees worldly success as a joke at best and an illusion. She sees his cynicism as fruitless and self-defeating.The film is full of beautifully designed scenes such as the Earl and Countess having a portrait painted in her palatial home and the mad-house atmosphere of the London theater crowd. Wilmot's wild life catches up with him as the symptoms of syphilis begin to destroy his features and his nose begins to rot off. He loses control of his legs and must walk on crutches. In this sorry state he enters the house of Parliament and argues for the right for Charles II to name his brother, James, as the future king. Yet history tells us that James II was a disastrous king, forced to abdicate to his son-in-law and daughter, William and Mary. Maybe this support for the king in the eleventh hour was a last effort to instill chaos and create a legacy of confusion, something that Wilmot would have greatly enjoyed.