The Libertine (2004)

I love this movie so much

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

The Libertine is definitely not for the faint-hearted or those who are easily offended. For those who love great production values, storytelling and acting, The Libertine will be a treat. It may not be a personal favourite as of yet but I for one found it an exceptionally good film and think it doesn't get enough recognition.It is a very meticulous-looking film, the photography is wonderfully moody yet sumptuous, the film has a very telling atmosphere and it really feels like you're transported back into the 17th century looking at the costumes and sets. Michael Nyman's score is understated and haunting, fitting beautifully with the atmosphere, though to me it could have used more music from the period which would have given off even more authenticity. The script is funny, thoughtful and packs emotional punch while the story while occasionally dragging is told rivetingly with scenes like the chair scene between Wilmot and Elizabeth, Wilmot's address to parliament and the final scene really lifted by the quality and the acting. Laurence Dunmore directs most admirably, remarkably good for a debut, inexperience occasionally shows but a vast majority of the time it's incredibly well done.Characters are compelling, especially Wilmot who is very multi-layered, but if there was one thing that was truly exceptional about The Libertine it was the acting. Johnny Depp gives a powerhouse and multi-layered performance that ranks among his best. The dependable Samantha Morton marvels too, John Malkovich does stately and ambiguous in a suitably restrained and regal way while still maintaining interest and Rosamund Pike gives the most heartfelt performance I've ever seen her give(coming from someone who has liked a lot of what she's done), particularly a revelation in the chair scene. The chemistry throughout convinces though that between Depp and Pike came over personally as stronger than that between him and Morton.All in all, a fine film if not for everybody and really deserves much more praise than it gets. 9/10 Bethany Cox

This film recounts the life and times of a 17th century poet who wallowed in drink and debauchery. This is a dull and dreary film that not only tells an ugly story about an uninteresting fellow, but also looks ugly. The cinematography is gray and grainy, making for a very depressing viewing experience. The script is too murky. It starts with Depp seemingly talking to the audience from beyond the grave and goes downhill from there. The dialog is too pretentious and there's too much of it. It's just an unpleasant way to spend a couple of hours. Depp tries hard and there are other good actors, but they are given little to work with. Curiously this is the only directorial credit of Dunmore.

I find this movie beautiful, intriguing, touching and somewhat disturbing. Pretty much artistic, yet appealing to different types of audience. However, most likely it won't be enjoyable for everyone, because of explicit content and perhaps disturbing images.Director Lawrence Dunmore did an amazing job and created something that could easily be considered as a masterpiece. Johnny Depp gave a standout performance (one of the best in his career; he should have won Oscar for it), as well as Samantha Morton, John Malkovich and Rosamund Pike.I've heard many people complaining how "dark" the movie is, as if it was filmed in shadows. But that's what XVII century was like - shady, dark and dirty.One of the best aspects of the movie is both physical and psychological metamorphosis of the main character. In the first part of the movie we see a man who has everything, but values nothing. Most people around him like him only because he's well known, gorgeous looking and influential person. Those who do really know him, such as his wife and mother, truly love him the way he is, but he doesn't seem to care much about them As the movie proceeds he finds true love, that, as he said, teaches him "how to love life", but he becomes ill and everyone begins to avoid him. Ironically, the only people who are there for him at that point are the ones whose love he had never appreciated.One could possibly say it's a shame that it hadn't been a major Hollywood project, because more people would have heard of it, but I think it's better this way, since it has avoided some of the boring Hollywood clichés.

It has never ceased to amaze me that this film has almost bypassed most of the viewing public. Depp's performance is Oscar-worthy. The film has humour, pathos, intense drama at times, and the ending is heart-wrenching. I defy anyone to watch this film and not find it one of the most memorable, even if it can't be said to be 'enjoyable'. What surprises me the most is that the younger members of our household (over 18, but usually more into slash and gore films like the Saw series) have found this film compelling enough to watch it several times. They don't just watch the raunchy scenes either - they find the entire film spell-binding. Depp's final physical appearance is difficult to witness. His performance is utterly stunning. This film is an absolute must-see.