Product reviewsThe Libertine (DVD, 2006)

Johnny Depp as arrogant and depressive satrical wit, poet, and bisexual Restoration libertine, John Wilmot.

Johnny Depp gives a strong performance as John Wilmot, depressive satiric poet, playwright, aristocrat, and bisexual Restoration libertine. Early on in the film, we see Wilmot at his height, the dominant Society wit of the age, sitting in a privileged box in the royal theatre with his gentleman artist friends (an excellent Hollander and a miscast Vegas), commenting on both the play and the audience below. Unsatisfied by the prevailing mode of acting, Wilmot rolls his sleeves up, and has some success coaching a young actress (Samantha Morton) to give a more naturalistic performance.

Depp is well supported by a restrained John Malkovich, playing a middle-aged Charles II, who indulges his younger protegee, despite being the target of some of Wilmot's most vicious wit. He encourages Wilmot to apply his genius to produce a substantial work of art. However, his talent dribbles away in witticisms and world-weary poetry, and his energies are drained by whores and a male lover.

Later in the film, Wilmot is brought low. He's publicly embarrassed the King and suffers visibly from syphilis. However, in an interesting comment on the age, it is running away from a sword fight which makes him a pariah in Society. Away from London, he's nursed and upbraided by his rich and beautiful wife, Rosamund Pike. However, Charles recalls him from his deathbed to speak to the House of Lords against an early Act of Succession, which would have barred James II from the throne.

With this late success, the film seeks to elevate Wilmot as a Christ-like patron saint of licentious living for the ages. However, with Wilmot's final question for the film's audience, `Do you like me?' the film recognises that different viewers will have different reactions to his life. An entertaining and theatrical film, bringing to life a lurid period in English history,

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Watchable

Not one of J Depp;s better roles. A period drama with no action, slow moving.

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Amazing movie, everyone should watch this gem.

I think it is Johnny Depp,s best movie, he should have got an Oscar for his performance.

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Superb atmospheric history film.

An outstanding, atmospheric, thought-provoking film, with beautiful camera-work. Fairly graphic sexual and violent scenes and language. Thankfully, without American accents. Unmissable.

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A intresting film

Wasn't sure what to make of this at first but it got interesting. Lovely costumes to.

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Really good

Really good

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The Libertine

Very good film

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Awesome

See title.

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Debauched times

I bought the dvd because it was baudy, but I was pleasantly surprised by the acting of Johnny Depp, Samantha Morton and John Malkovitch. Don't get me wrong there is a lot of swearing and no holding back on anything. Johnny Depp is superb as the Earl of Rochester. He did everything to excess, but when he decides to nurture Mrs Barry's talent as an actress, we watch as she rises in power, whilst he slips further down the ladder. The film colour is dull, but otherwise it is very much like observing actors on a stage in close quarters. The director explains a lot about the film, but not why it is such a dull colour. Otherwise superb.Read full review...

Average viewing.

He didn't resist temptation. He pursued it.

Based on the play by Stephen Jeffreys, The Libertine recounts the life of the scandalously decadent John Wilmot (Johnny Depp), the second Earl of Rochester.

Married, but not satisfied, he has a passionate romance with a young actress, Elizabeth Barry (Samantha Morton), and writes a scurrilous play that lampoons its commissioner, King Charles II (John Malkovich, who starred in the play when it was staged at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre).Read full review...