The Libertine (DVD, 2006)

A lively adaptation the scandalous play by Stephen Jeffreys, the plot follows the drunken, ambisexual whoredom of Britain's Earl of Rochester (Johnny Depp). Depp delivers a remarkable performance as the drunkard, ambisexual, Earl who uses & abuses any gender or sex who falls for his dashing good looks.

The story is supposedly "historical" post-Renaissance 1678 in the Restoration Period during the reign of Monarch King Charles II (John Malkovich). Though Depp has a wife, he becomes obsessed by a talented prostitute, Elizabeth Barry (Samantha Morton). As the Earl has a lurid affair with her, he also shapes her into a famous stage actress. However, it's not all sex, drinks & acting roles for them when the Earl becomes overwhelmed with more than a touch of mental & physical infirmity.

Assuredly R to X rated, do not have the kidlets around during this Depp film. It's not one of Depp's "Pirates..." or "Edward Scissorhands" family treasures! Thankfully. Alas, there is an uncensored, made for adults only, film on mainstream DVD in the US 21st century! It's provacative, orgiastic & flat out beyond the sexual pale.

Let me start by saying that this film was highly entertaining, and the screenwriter has earned my respect by making the tough choices, instead of pussyfooting around issues like most of the mindless Hollywood drones would have done. I really appreciate the fact that everything did not have to be tied up in a pretty little bow, and a moral did not necessarily follow from every right or wrong decision a character made.

That said, I would like to explain why this movie did not earn the fifth star (after all, it kept me enthralled the whole time). First, I am getting nearly as sick of Restoration (of Charles II in England) pieces as movies set in WWII concentration camps. It's been done ad nauseum, so let's find a new historical period to exploit!

Second, the film covered a lot of the ground that "Staged Beauty," a far and away superior film, blazed only a year ago. I felt like I had just been duped into voting for a sleazy politician who changed his name to Thomas Jefferson for purposes of name-recognition. I mean, it's fine to use the same characters in two pieces of historical fiction, but honestly! how many films can we watch with plots or subplots about teaching the first female actress on the English stage how to act? (A subplot in this case.)

Third, Johnny Depp plays the same character in every one of his films - the moody, sexy, eccentric loner that makes all the housewives giddy. I understand he's pretty, ladies, but he is in dire jeopardy of falling into the category of cute-but-can't-act with Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom.

Otherwise, and please take my earlier criticism with a grain of salt, this is a great film. It isn't the upbeat Lifetime Network B.S. you normally have to put up with from Hollywood, and, moreover, it is not filled to bursting with blood, sex, and pointless explosions. It is just a good story, simply told.

I highly recommend the film, but keep it in mind that it has its minor problems. Like I said earlier, though, despite its issues, the movie kept me glued to my seat the whole time. That's pretty rare these days.

The beautifully sculpted face of Johnny Depp fits right in with this masterpiece of design. The Libertine--filmed in a grainy, color-muted chiaroscuro--captures the lush costumes, extravagant decor, and remarkable filth of Restoration England. John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester (Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean, Ed Wood), warns the audience at the very beginning of the film that they will not like him. From there, he treats his wife cruelly, drinks to relentless excess, abuses his friendships, and generally wallows in dissipation, much to the dismay of King Charles II (John Malkovich, Dangerous Liaisons), who hopes that Rochester will write a play glorifying his reign. But Rochester finds his true inspiration (and the movie comes to life) when he sees a young actress named Lizzie Barry (Samantha Morton, Minority Report, Morvern Callar). Rochester sets out to make her the greatest actress of their time--and she, with some reluctance, submits to his teaching. The weakness of The Libertine is not that Rochester is unlikable; it's that he doesn't want to do anything. Barry galvanizes the movie because she burns with ambition, but Rochester's only apparent aim in life is an agonizingly slow self-destruction. Still, The Libertine has lurid Saturnalian visions, Morton is superb, Malkovich gives a typically insidious turn, and Depp, as always, finds moments of sad poetry in the bitterest of speeches.

I purchased "The Libertine" as I'm a great admirer of Johnny Depp's and Samantha Morton's work. As the Restoration Period is one of my historical favorites, and I was curious also to see how if cast and crew could bring it to the screen realistically.

I was not disappointed.

"The Libertine" tells the story the last 10 years or so of the life of the Earl of Rochester, a famous (or infamous, depending how you look at it) member of the Court of Charles II during the Restoration -- a period where excess was the norm, not the exception, and where vice was considered a virtue and virtue a vice.

If you're a fan of Johnny Depp, this film is a must-see. The real-life Rochester was a libertine, but he was also brilliant, talented, politically realistic, sensitive -- and tormented. Mr. Depp captures perfectly these many facets of the Earl of Rochester, whose lifestyle was considered excessive, even by his contemporaries, and who died from syphilis and alcoholism in his mid 30s. Mr Depp's portrayal of the libertine Earl is another example of his incredible acting range.

Mr. Depp isn't the only actor who shines. Samantha Morton is outstanding as the actress whose stage talents Rochester develops. The supporting cast --including John Malkovich (Charles II), Francesca Annais (Rochester's mother) and Rosamund Pike (Rochester's wife) -- is peerless. Even the extras look and sound like they belong to the era.

While "The Libertine" is first-rate, it might not be for everyone. The direction, screenplay, sets and costumes recreate Restoration London as it was. As such, "The Libertine" is not a sanitized, glamorized take on an historic period. Like the period in which it's set, "The Libertine" is forthright, upfront and non-apologetic: the dialogue is pungent and profane; the costumes show a very 17th century wear and tear; the sets are realistic --the interiors are not grand (as they would not have been) and the exteriors are complete with mud, muck and other assorted filth (as they really were).

If, however, you like superior acting within the context of a story line superbly developed and executed, then "The Libertine" will most definitely be your cup of tea.

This is a GREAT movie, albeit largely overlooked. Johhny Depp and John Malkovich are fabulous actors and they do not disappoint here. Especially Johnny Depp. His opening speech is haunting and sexually unnerving. This speech alone should win him an Oscar nomination.
This isn't a movie for conservative thinkers. It is vulgar and literally 'In your face'. But it is wonderful at the same time. Wonderfully different. Not the greatest movie in the world, but it WILL be remembered by avid movie fans.

I do not own many DVD's as many films that I see in this format I don't want to own forever. THE LIBERTINE is a fantastic film in all ways - the score, the acting, the story adaptation, the directing. For those who think of Johnny Depp in terms of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN or FINDING NEVERLAND, viewing this film will give you an eye-opening idea of the breadth of talent of this actor. His is not the only solid performance, however; everyone is stellar. I am happy to have added this DVD to my meager collection and will watch it many times to come in the future.

I rented this one day simply because Johnny was on the cover. I did not even know about the movie until I saw it on the shelf. While this movie is not for the faint hearted - or ages under 15 or so - it is a miraculous portrayal by Johnny. I would provide the following tip on watching this movie - the first time through, you need to watch it with the subtitles on - then go back and watch it again. Their Cockney accents are so strong, that it is hard to make out a lot of what they are saying if you don't "watch" what they say first. This is probably my all-time favorite Johnny Depp character and performance - he becomes the character and even though the Earl is thoroughly UNLIKEABLE - he draws you in and you feel sympathy for him at the end of the movie. Great - great - great Depp!!!!

As usual Johnny Depp is entrancing. Excellent period movie, with some dark undertones. Not recommended for immature viewers.

Johnny Depp is brilliant in this movie! He channels the charachter in a way that keeps you glued to the screen and following his every word. It's definatley rated R, so don't keep the kids in the room. The look of the movie is so raw, you feel like you're there. This is a must see for anyone that likes period movies, or great movies in general!!

I like this movie because Johnny Depp was the main character. When I first rented the movie, I had no clue what the movie was about. I really like the historical take on an unusually adult topic - sex in the 1600's. Johnny Depp is so sensuous and tempting that one wants to watch this movie more than once. I decided to buy it because then I can watch it whenever I want!

I decided to buy this DVD after seeing intriguing commercials and previews. Since I love period pieces with a bit of history, I thought this would go well in my collection. Though interesting and likely well based on non fiction, the movie is a bit more disturbing than the trailers would have you believe. This is not "mild" sexual reference, but borders on outright vulgarity, and due to the flagrant language and situations, I can see why it was not in the theatres long. I have no general dislike for in depth situation, but this was a bit more than I bargained for. I have a 12 year old, whom I've allowed to view other period pieces and legend movies, Excalibur, Elizabeth, and so fourth, but this is one I refuse to let her watch. Sadly although I own it, I will NOT view this a second time.

I very much enjoy the convenience of buying DVDs from half.com. Very seldom have I had bad experiences with any sellers. In the case of The Libertine DVD, it was probably the most promptly received purchase I've ever gotten, having arrived in about a week. The case and--most importantly--the DVD were in excellent condition, and included every feature I want in DVDs (widescreen, bonuses, etc.). I do try to avoid buying the least costly item just because of the price. Mostly, items under Very Good Condition are actually Like New. That was the case with this DVD. Seller extremely professional.

tip top shape no scratches beautiful pic and sound just loved it.. clary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was completely satisfied with the purchase of this movie. I received it expeditiously and there was no damage ergo: no return. The price was right. And, of course, it was Johnny Depp at his best. Would purchase from this person again without hesitation. GREAT MOVIE!!!

This is not only an exellent but rather exeptionel outstanding piece of art. Especially Johnny Depp playing the main character with both body and soul, is doing an most impressive performance of that sort of acting which is rarely to be seen on screen or either on stage! I'm convinced this part should have gotten him the "OSKAR", he,until now, deserves for so many performances he's given; to me the character John Wilmot is Depp's most convincing and fascinating role, even after seeing "Sweeny Todd", for what he received -more than deserved- a nomination at least.
I ordered the dvd "The Libertine" from a seller in the UK because of Johnny Depp playing the main character in the first place and of John Malkowich performing Charles II in second - and did get an overwheming work of art, as if Depp never had done anything else besides acting on stage: it's most impressive to watch him doing it! It can be compared to Gründgens movie version of Goethe's "Faust",but sadly we dont have those performances any more. We are forced to buy the dvd outsides our own country: this dvd didn't reach the German dvd market...
Being bewitched by this coulorful "Libertine" forever my hole family, friends and I do not only like but do love him so strongly that we might never get out of the spell!
So: do look for it, buy it, enjoy it and come to favour it like we do!!!!
- We'll never give this dvd away any more-never!!!

This is just another example of the diversity of Johnny Depps acting capability...this movie is deep and dark..a side not usually seen of Johnny... I make it a habit to own all of his movies.. and this one was a surprise...not comical, deep, dark, and disasterous....INTENSE!! Highly recommend!

Love Johnny Depp! His acting is great. Always good in the parts he plays. Saw parts of this movie and decided that it had to be part of my collection.

I bought it because I missed it in the theater when it was out. I'm a big Johnny Depp fan...prob because of his Jack Sparrow character, that just sort of open my eyes to him as a very good actor of our time. This movie the Libertine had a surprize....well to me it was. Jack Davenport who was Commadore Norrington in the POTC movies and Tom Hollander who was Cutler Beckett in the POTC, DMC and AWE, both are in this movie. When I saw it on Starz, I didn't realize that until I watched it again.
Its a bit hard to used to the style of the filming of the movie, but after I read the reason and how they did the lighting it made sense to me. They used candlelight rather than the usual lighting that is normally used. The verbal part of the movie has taken me a couple time thur to catch what and the meaning of what was being said.
All in all....I liked the move. Its pretty direct in its sexual nature and doesn't pull any punches in the verbal dialogue.
If you like a mild hard core movie then this is one not to miss.

It was an excellent movie. The movie had more meaning because it was a true story. I thought the ending was great.

The movie was delivered very quickly. i almost couldnt believe it! The price was reasonable and not too much shipping. The dvd was in great condition and I will buy from this seller anytime.

I loved this movie from the first time I saw it because of the period it was made. I am also a huge Jonny Depp fan.

Johnny is at it again. You won't be disappointed in this movie. He is just as funny as ever in this period piece.

This film caught my interest because i enjoy period pieces based on true events. But to be totally honest, the best thing about this film is Johnny Depp. He looks absolutely breathtaking with his hair worn long and no excess facial hair or glasses taking away from his perfect facial features.