The Libertine

The Libertine is a film about poet John Wilmot (also known as the Earl of Rochester), who led a debaucherous lifestyle and caused lots of controversy in 17th century France. Johnny Depp stars as Wilmot, and the supporting cast includes John Malkovich and Samantha Morton. There's an added bonus for fans of the UK sitcom Coupling, as the film also features supporting parts for actors Jack Davenport and Richard Coyle.

The tone of the trailer reminded me of the film Quills, which was about the Marquis De Sade. Wilmot's lifestyle will probably received most of the film's focus, and his relationship with the French government will probably be put on the back-burner, serving more as a way of moving things along. I'm sure this movie will have Depp's name being thrown around come Oscar time, but overall I was very unimpressed. Malkovich appeared to be playing his standard monarch role, and Morton was as interesting to watch as staring at wallpaper. The whole plot just seemed rote.

Depp can certainly carry a film, but I can't help but feel he (and Wilmot's debaucherous habiots) will be the only thing worth watching when The Libertine hits cinemas (on Christmas Day, no less).