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The Libertine

Play trailer Poster for The Libertine R 2005 1h 54m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
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 11/27/2006
D+
[Director] Dunmore creates a memorably grimy London, but the moral grime covering the film proves less memorable. Go to Full Review Sandra Hall Sydney Morning Herald 08/01/2006
3/5
I enjoyed it - or much of it - for reasons that have everything to do with Johnny Depp. Go to Full Review Sam Toy Empire Magazine 04/01/2006
2/5
The story, like the cinematography, is overly foggy and under-illuminated. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Dec 26
2.5/4
Ultimately, it possesses all the shock value of a toddler yelling, "Poopy!" Go to Full Review Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens 11/14/2019
Despite its many flaws, The Libertine is a film worth watching, if only for the restorative talents of [Johnny] Depp and [John] Malkovich. Go to Full Review Dave White Movies.com 04/04/2011
2/5
Big dull drag of a movie. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Kyle M @RT77296778 07/17/2024 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-) See more Kathryn V @RT32297663 10/10/2023 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. See more Ari . @RT15074104 04/17/2023 Pretty interesting until about 60% of the way through, but stops tracking after that for me. As 8s customary of biopics. See more 06/14/2022 Loved it. But definitely for fans of long and slow and dark period dramas. And syphilis. Definitely fans of watching a man's face rot off from syphilis will also love this film. See more 03/14/2021 This film is so well-researched and written. Johnny Depp utterly transforms into an incredibly difficult and conflicted character. The scene where Wilmot breaks down completely is both timeless and precise. As a student of Restoration and early 18th-century British drama, this film is a dream come true. Outstanding. See more 01/24/2021 I find this to be the greatest performance Johnny Depp ever gave. flawless See more 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

The Libertine (2005) The Libertine (2005) The Libertine (2005) A scene from the film "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)