THE LIBERTINE — * 1/2 — Johnny Depp, Samantha Morton, John Malkovich; rated R (vulgarity, sex, profanity, nudity, violence, brief drugs).
Why in the world would a studio delay a Johnny Depp movie for more than a year? "The Libertine" answers that question.
This historically based dark comedy-drama is one of the most unappetizing films in recent memory. The 17th century as depicted here is grimy and filthy, and so is Depp. This is also a very R-rated piece, with strong sexual elements and language that will probably put off most — if not all — of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star's fan base.
Based on a play by Stephen Jeffreys, "The Libertine" was allegedly inspired by the true story of John Wilmot, also known as the Earl of Rochester. A poet and playwright, he was a favorite of the reigning English monarch, King Charles II (John Malkovich). However, the film also contends that Wilmot was a self-loathing, self-destructive individual, and one of his jests led to him being banished by the king.
In this version of events, the king is also faced with a contentious House of Lords and strife with neighboring France. So he orders Wilmot to the palace and commissions some sort of "art" that will sway the royal detractors. Instead, Wilmot uses the funds he receives for debauchery. He also embarks on his latest "project." On a bet, he's agreed to turn the questionably talented stage actress Elizabeth Barry (Samantha Morton) into a star.
The film was heavily edited to bring it to a more manageable length (it was originally 130 minutes) and to get an R rating. But in the process, several key transitional scenes appear to have been spliced out, and the film lacks coherence.
First-time filmmaker Laurence Dunmore lacks the skills to pull off material this tricky (its tone is not unlike that of the miles-better "Amadeus"). And Depp really does his best (or perhaps that should be his worst) to make his character unappealing and unlikable.
"The Libertine" is rated R for crude sexual humor, references and language, including occasional use of strong sexual profanity, scenes of simulated sex (including an orgy sequence), some full female nudity, nude artwork and props, some brief violence (including a stabbing), and some brief drug content (use of primitive medicines and snuff). Running time: 115 minutes.
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com