Fireworks Logo

Latest Bi Additions...

  • Since the Last Time We Met
  • Alexander: The Making of a God
  • 5 Devils (The)
  • Interview with the Vampire
  • Law of Love (The)
  • They/Them
  • Anaïs in Love
  • Joe Lycett's Big Pride Party
  • Rose West: Born Evil?
  • Camila Comes Out Tonight
  • Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman
  • Frida Kahlo
  • Saint-Narcisse
  • Don Filipo
  • Our Dance of Revolution
  • Tiny Pretty Things
  • Cicada
  • Billie
  • Stardust
  • Family Tree (The)
  • Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
  • Shirley
  • We Are Who We Are
  • Lawyer (The)
  • True History of the Kelly Gang
  • Killing Eve
  • Pride & Protest
  • Liberty
  • Rialto
  • Dracula
  • Insatiable
  • Abby's
  • Again Once Again
  • Why Women Kill
  • All Yours
  • Antonio Lopez 1970: Sex Fashion & Disco
  • Mapplethorpe
  • Diamantino
  • Synonyms
  • Colette

Libertine (The)

Country: UK | Australia, Language: English, 114 mins

  • Director: Laurence Dunmore
  • Writer: Stephen Jeffreys
  • Producer: Chase Bailey; Mairi Bett

CGiii Comment

An ugly ode to debauchery - beautifully filmed and magnificently played.

Depp's performance is sublime - his expressions are masterful and instinctive.

The bisexuality of the Earl is downplayed and the 'gay' kiss made it only to the cutting-room floor - all in the name of marketing.

It is a remarkable film in every way - the lighting alone is worthy every award going.

The only complaint is The Libertine was practically ignored (because of its subject matter no doubt) by all the award-giving bodies.

Depp deserved every accolade.

A stunning work.


Trailer...

The(ir) Blurb...

In 1660, with the return of Charles II to the English throne, theater, the visual arts, science and sexual promiscuity flourish. Thirteen years later, in the midst of political and economical problems, Charles II asks for the return of his friend John Wilmot, aka the second Earl of Rochester, from exile back to London. John is a morally-corrupt drunkard and a sexually- active cynical poet. When the King asks John to prepare a play for the French ambassador so as to please him, John meets the aspiring actress Elizabeth Barry in the playhouse and decides to make her into a great star. He falls in love with her and she becomes his mistress. During the presentation to the Frenchman, he falls into disgrace with the court. When he was thirty-three years old and dying of syphilis and alcoholism, he converts to being a religious man.

Cast & Characters

Johnny Depp as Rochester;
Paul Ritter as Chiffinch;
John Malkovich as Charles II;
Stanley Townsend as Keown;
Francesca Annis as Countess;
Rosamund Pike as Elizabeth Malet;
Tom Hollander as Etherege;
Johnny Vegas as Sackville;
Richard Coyle as Alcock;
Tom Burke as Vaughan;
Hugh Sachs as Ratcliffe;
Rupert Friend as Downs;
Kelly Reilly as Jane;
Jack Davenport as Harris;
Trudi Jackson as Rose