The Libertine (2004)
The period drama film, The Libertine (2004), marked the directorial debut of Laurence Dunmore and was adapted by Stephen Jeffreys from his play of the same name. Set in 1675, it follows the tale of John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester, as he delivers a prologue filled with themes of his love for alcohol, his sexual desires, and his disdain for his audience. Despite being banished by King Charles II, Rochester is brought back to join the House of Lords due to the king’s need for him. Upon returning to London, he reunites with his ‘Merry Gang’ friends George Etherege and Charles Sackville at a bawdy house. While on the street, Rochester meets a thief named Alcock and is impressed by his deceitful nature; deciding to hire him as his personal gentleman.
Later on, the Merry Gang introduces Rochester to their newest member, 18-year-old Billy Downs. However, Rochester warns Downs that he will eventually succumb to their corrupt ways by saying ‘Young man, you will die of this company’. The Merry Gang goes to a play where Elizabeth Barry, the actress, is booed off stage and then refuses to participate in a curtain call. As a result, she is fired. However, Rochester becomes interested in Barry and manages to secure her re-employment with the theatre company. He also takes it upon himself to coach her in acting. With Rochester’s help, Barry’s acting drastically improves and she gives a magnificent performance in her next production.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Johnny DeppJohn Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester  John MalkovichKing Charles II  Samantha MortonElizabeth Barry  Rosamund PikeElizabeth Malet  Rupert FriendBilly Downs  Paul RitterChiffinch  Tom HollanderSir George Etherege |
The period drama film, The Libertine (2004), marked the directorial debut of Laurence Dunmore and was adapted by Stephen Jeffreys from his play of the same name. Set in 1675, it follows the tale of John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester, as he delivers a prologue filled with themes of his love for alcohol, his sexual desires, and his disdain for his audience. Despite being banished by King Charles II, Rochester is brought back to join the House of Lords due to the king’s need for him. Upon returning to London, he reunites with his ‘Merry Gang’ friends George Etherege and Charles Sackville at a bawdy house. While on the street, Rochester meets a thief named Alcock and is impressed by his deceitful nature; deciding to hire him as his personal gentleman.
Later on, the Merry Gang introduces Rochester to their newest member, 18-year-old Billy Downs. However, Rochester warns Downs that he will eventually succumb to their corrupt ways by saying ‘Young man, you will die of this company’. The Merry Gang goes to a play where Elizabeth Barry, the actress, is booed off stage and then refuses to participate in a curtain call. As a result, she is fired. However, Rochester becomes interested in Barry and manages to secure her re-employment with the theatre company. He also takes it upon himself to coach her in acting. With Rochester’s help, Barry’s acting drastically improves and she gives a magnificent performance in her next production.
