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:

earl | poet | charles ii | mistress | ambassador | 

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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

Details

Official Sites:

The Weinstein Company

Country:

UK Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 March 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

El libertino

Filming Locations:

Wells Cathedral, Wells, Somerset, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

£278,482 (United Kingdom), 20 November 2005, Limited Release

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,202,799, 12 March 2006, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$4,835,065, 20 April 2006

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,852,064, 16 September 2007

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Unlike most period films, this one was shot almost entirely with a hand-held camera. The two most notable shots with a fixed camera are the two panoramas of the interior of the theater, which was intentional.

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Goofs

Looks closely at the back of the person being prodded and whipped around 1:17:10 (in Dr. Bendo's room shortly after Alcock pees into a vial), you can faintly see quite a large tattoo in the small of the lady's back that hasn't completely been covered by the make-up.

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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

Referenced in Capturing 'The Libertine' (2006)

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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

Excellent period piece with formidable acting & writing

Familiar with the play & was curious to see the adaptation . Jeffreys expands his work effectively but several very direct elements will need edited of the more licentious behaviors of the period. Writing is witty and pungent and accurate in its representation of the period. Dunnsmore's direction is firm and the dark & smokey grey brown tones he uses work well for the film. Performance wise- Depp gives a Oscar worthy performance incredible in its range & depth. Malkovitch also holds the screen as King Charles , The actor's personal Maturity showing as both the heaviness of power & the indulgence of the character. Needs editing by about 20 mins ( it IS a work in progress) but other than that & some cleaning up technically of the sound in places ( esp the beginning) The work stands up excellently! Would recommend!