The Libertine is Gruesome but Artistic

Even at the opening of the movie, John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester (Johnny Depp) makes it explicitly clear that he is not a good person, and he will be despised and envied by the audience.

Johnny Depp is perfect in this role. He leads a fast life in constant battle with the government.

The details of the movie are a hard to divulge considering this is a family-oriented paper. To put it simply, this film is rated ‘R’ for a very good reason. The sexual aspects in this film are staggering, even for some mature viewers.

Despite that, this was an artistic film. The lighting through the streets of 17th Century London not only fits the mood and era but also adds to the overall eeriness of the Earl’s character.

The director, Laurence Dunmore, made the film powerful. The way the camera moved emphasized the drunkenness and later illness that Wilmot experienced.

Wilmot died from a gruesome illness. The stages of the disease were so graphic and the special effects make-up in such great detail that it was difficult to see Johnny Depp in this way. But the realism is worth it. This film is difficult to watch but a wonder. Depp has always given us more than our ticket’s worth when it comes to characters, and this is no exception.

The director, a powerful story, and the artistry of Depp made this film one of the best films I have ever seen. If you like acting and story telling - and have a strong stomach - go to this film. Remember this film was rated “R” for a reason. I give it 5 out of 5.