Monday's Movie - Libertine

Monday's Movie is The Libertine with Johnny Depp, filmed in 2004. It just recently came out onto DVD, so being the costume lover I am, I had to see this. I L.O.V.E. period pieces, but don't run to the movie store for this one (you could just walk slowly). Oh no! Does this mean two bad movie reviews in a row? Hope it's not a trend. I don't want to say that this flick is not without merit, however. There were several redeemable qualities. The costumes were just as I'd hoped for and the acting was really incredible. (How on earth is Johnny Depp so capable?!? He is a magnificent actor. He flourishes in everything he does.) The plot was even a decent one; it just didn't quite do it for me. Maybe it was the shock value of debauchery that seeped out of John Wilmot's writings? (It is based on the 17th century poet / hedonist.) Anyway, I can't quite put my finger on it. It is, however, one of those films that you watch and think "Boy, so-and-so is an incredible actor," but don't know really what else to say about it. Kind of like Daniel Day-Lewis in My Left Foot - famous movie, but only because an actor or two kicked around some serious drama. (Side note: Did I mention how much I love Depp? I also love this scene in the movie where he walks around with his wig as messed up, next to the beautiful and refined Rosamund Pike. He really knows how to work those subtle nuances to make a character come alive.)