The Libertine 2005

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The Libertine ★½ 2005 (R)

Covering a portion of the life of the 17th century's famous degenerate the 2nd Earl of Rochester, John Wilmot (Depp). Depp's portrayal is well done, but the story eventually collapses under its own weight. A little taste of Wilmot's naughtiness might be interesting, even fun, but watching him destroy himself with dreadful behavior over and over begins to feel tiresome. Like watching a heavyweight prize fight, eventually you hope the fallen fighter just stays down, relieving everyone's pain. 130m/C DVD . Johnny Depp, Samantha Morton, John Malkovich, Rosamund Pike, Tom Hollander, Kelly Reilly, Jack Davenport, Richard Coyle, Francesca Annis, Rupert Friend, Clare Higgins, Johnny Vegas; D: Laurence Dunmore; W: Stephen Jeffreys; C: Alexander Melman; M: Michael Nyman.

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