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The Libertine

Play trailer Poster for The Libertine R Released Nov 25, 2005 1h 54m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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34% Tomatometer 121 Reviews 58% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
John Wilmot (Johnny Depp), the egotistical second Earl of Rochester, leads an entirely debauched life. When not writing bawdy verse, Wilmot spends his time imbibing massive amounts of alcohol and bedding myriad women, including Elizabeth Barry (Samantha Morton). When King Charles II (John Malkovich) commissions him to write a play, he happily agrees. But after Wilmot foolishly uses his big break to skewer the crown, he must face a furious Charles -- and the real possibility of exile.
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The Libertine

The Libertine

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Critics Consensus

Despite Johnny Depp's zealous performance, muddled direction and murky cinematography hinder The Libertine.

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Critics Reviews

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Keith Phipps AV Club [Director] Dunmore creates a memorably grimy London, but the moral grime covering the film proves less memorable. Rated: D+ Nov 27, 2006 Full Review Sandra Hall Sydney Morning Herald I enjoyed it - or much of it - for reasons that have everything to do with Johnny Depp. Rated: 3/5 Aug 1, 2006 Full Review Sam Toy Empire Magazine The story, like the cinematography, is overly foggy and under-illuminated. Rated: 2/5 Apr 1, 2006 Full Review Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens Despite its many flaws, The Libertine is a film worth watching, if only for the restorative talents of [Johnny] Depp and [John] Malkovich. Nov 14, 2019 Full Review Dave White Movies.com Big dull drag of a movie. Rated: 2/5 Apr 4, 2011 Full Review Joshua Starnes ComingSoon.net Slightly pretentious, but original enough to be a bit interesting, and buoyed by strong performances from Depp and Morton, The Libertine is a decent telling of a historical footnote, most interesting because of its strong feminist message. Rated: 7/10 Mar 29, 2011 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Kyle M The directorially intended aesthetics here are impressive in attempt to refine a period drama’s apparatus whilst mostly relying on Depp’s eccentric casualness taking on a grittier challenge with a lingering haunt, it eventually lost its overall reverent gravitas when obscenely confirming its genuinely muddled narrative that lacks a mutually grasped sense of discomfort. (B-) Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/17/24 Full Review Kathryn V Another outstanding performance by Johnny Depp. I didnt think I would go for this type of movie at first, but his acting drew me right in as usual. I couldn't even say that it was his best performance, he does too many types of movies and he gives 100% in all of them. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/10/23 Full Review betsy a Wonderful performances by Depp, Pike, and Morton, despite a slight lull in the middle, the energy of the storyline kept me invested to the end. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/23/23 Full Review Ari . Pretty interesting until about 60% of the way through, but stops tracking after that for me. As 8s customary of biopics. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/17/23 Full Review Teri D This movie was great! Some of Johnny Depp's best acting! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Beatri J this movie isn't for all but i liked it the plot interesting Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Libertine

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Cast & Crew

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Laurence Dunmore

Director

Johnny Depp

Rochester

Samantha Morton

Elizabeth Barry

John Malkovich

King Charles II

Paul Ritter

Chiffinch

Stanley Townsend

Keown

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The Libertine

A scene from the film "The Libertine." A scene from the film "The Libertine." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis John Wilmot (Johnny Depp), the egotistical second Earl of Rochester, leads an entirely debauched life. When not writing bawdy verse, Wilmot spends his time imbibing massive amounts of alcohol and bedding myriad women, including Elizabeth Barry (Samantha Morton). When King Charles II (John Malkovich) commissions him to write a play, he happily agrees. But after Wilmot foolishly uses his big break to skewer the crown, he must face a furious Charles -- and the real possibility of exile.
Director
Laurence Dunmore
Producer
Lianne Halfon, John Malkovich, Russell Smith
Screenwriter
Stephen Jeffreys
Distributor
Weinstein Co.
Production Co
Mr. Mudd
Rating
R (Strong Sexuality Inc. Dialogue|Language|Violence)
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 25, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$4.8M
Runtime
1h 54m
Sound Mix
Dolby SRD, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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