The Libertine (2004)

The story of John Wilmot, a.k.a. the Earl of Rochester, a 17th century poet who famously drank and debauched his way to an early grave, only to earn posthumous critical acclaim for his life's work.

Director:

Laurence Dunmore

Writers:

Stephen Jeffreys (screenplay), Stephen Jeffreys (play)

Stars:

Johnny Depp, Samantha Morton, John Malkovich

2 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Johnny Depp	...	Rochester
Paul Ritter	...	Chiffinch
John Malkovich	...	Charles II
Stanley Townsend	...	Keown
Francesca Annis	...	Countess
Rosamund Pike	...	Elizabeth Malet
Tom Hollander	...	Etherege
Johnny Vegas	...	Sackville
Richard Coyle	...	Alcock
Tom Burke	...	Vaughan
Hugh Sachs	...	Ratcliffe
Rupert Friend	...	Downs
Kelly Reilly	...	Jane
Jack Davenport	...	Harris
Trudi Jackson	...	Rose

Storyline

In 1660, with the return of Charles II to the English throne, theater, the visual arts, science and sexual promiscuity flourish. Thirteen years later, in the midst of political and economical problems, Charles II orders the return of his friend John Wilmot, aka the second Earl of Rochester, from exile back to London. John is a morally-corrupt drunkard and a debauched, cynical poet. When the King asks John to prepare a play for the French ambassador so as to please him, John meets the aspiring actress Elizabeth Barry in the playhouse and decides to make her into a great star. He falls in love with her and she becomes his mistress. During the presentation to the King and the French ambassador, John falls into disgrace with the court. When he is thirty-three years old and dying of syphilis and alcoholism, he converts to being a religious man.

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Plot Keywords:

public nudity | breasts | scantily clad female | virgin | teenage girl | 

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Taglines:

He didn't resist temptation. He pursued it.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexuality including dialogue, violence and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

John Malkovich had previously worked with director Laurence Dunmore on a commercial, and loved working with him so much, he recommended him to the producers.

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Goofs

When Rochester returns home, the carriage gets stuck in the mud so he gets out and walks towards the house. He's met by his wife. Rochester says, "Madam. This driveway will not do." The word "driveway" didn't come into use until around 1865 (according to dictionary.com) - about two hundred years after Rochester's death.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Rochester: Allow me to be frank at the commencement. You will not like me. The gentlemen will be envious and the ladies will be repelled. You will not like me now and you will like me a good deal less as we go on. Ladies, an announcement: I am up for it, all the time. That is not a boast or an opinion, it is bone hard medical fact. I put it round you know. And you will watch me putting it round and sigh for it. Don't. It is a deal of trouble for you and you are better off watching and drawing...

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Crazy Credits

Special thanks to Tracy, Billy and Stanley and all our Friends and Families

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Connections

Featured in The Hour: Episode #7.77 (2011)

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Soundtracks

Rochester's Farewell
(uncredited)
(end title theme)
Music by Michael Nyman
Text by Stephen Jeffreys
Performed by Hilary Summers (contralto)

User Reviews

Depp does it again

The libertine - What a film... Despite its murkiness, and turgid subject matter, Johnny gives what has to be, his most intricate and breathtaking performance. The first forty-five minutes focuses mainly on John Wilmot's drunken and lecherous ways, and the final forty-five minutes (roughly at around the time that Johnny removes his wig), the sad and awful truth of the life of Rochester kicks in, and from then on, its a cracking story. At the final scene as the light fades along with the haunting words of Rochester's final monologue, I don't think that I would be alone in saying that I was moved to goosebumps and spine chills. Depp is just so intense that frankly, he is beyond brilliant. If the academy don't recognise him this time, I will personally have 'words' with Mr Weinstein! On the whole, an absorbingly different film that deserves all credit.

Details

Country:

UK Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 March 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Libertine

Filming Locations:

Wells Cathedral, Wells, Somerset, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$27,804, 27 November 2005

Gross USA:

$4,835,065

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,852,064

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Weinstein Company, Isle of Man Film, Mr. Mudd

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1