Greetings again from the darkness. In real life there are few things more pathetic that those who are desperate to be cool. The same is true of films. First time director Laurence Dunmore was handed a top notch lead cast and a terrific story (but a horrible screenplay). The result is quite simply, a bad film.
The camera work wreaks of desperate attempts to mimic Soderberg, the score is overwrought with mood that just does not exist on screen and the dialog is pure rubbish. The truly amazing Johnny Depp is the only thing that prevents the film from becoming Hollywood lore as eclipsing "Plan 9 from Outer Space" as the all time worst. Although Depp dominates the screen as John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, the supporting cast is also solid. John Malkovich, Rosamund Pike ("Pride and Prejudice"), Samantha Morton (brilliant in "In America") all make brave but futile attempts to salvage this mess.
Do not mistake my dislike for the film as some prudish defense on debauchery. For significantly better films with similar subject matter, please see "Quills" or "Amadeus". Another tip of the cap to Mr. Depp who escapes this catastrophe with his dignity intact. Looking forward to the next "Pirates".
The camera work wreaks of desperate attempts to mimic Soderberg, the score is overwrought with mood that just does not exist on screen and the dialog is pure rubbish. The truly amazing Johnny Depp is the only thing that prevents the film from becoming Hollywood lore as eclipsing "Plan 9 from Outer Space" as the all time worst. Although Depp dominates the screen as John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, the supporting cast is also solid. John Malkovich, Rosamund Pike ("Pride and Prejudice"), Samantha Morton (brilliant in "In America") all make brave but futile attempts to salvage this mess.
Do not mistake my dislike for the film as some prudish defense on debauchery. For significantly better films with similar subject matter, please see "Quills" or "Amadeus". Another tip of the cap to Mr. Depp who escapes this catastrophe with his dignity intact. Looking forward to the next "Pirates".