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 THE LIBERTINE

Laurence Dunmore. UK 2004.

Release Date: 2004

Production Status: Pre-production

Producer:
Chase Bailey (executive producer), Lianne Halfon, John Malkovich, Russell Smith
Production Company: Odyssey Entertainment

Screenplay: Stephen Jeffreys
Based on: The Libertine, play by Stephen Jeffreys

Cast:
Rochester (Johnny Depp)
King Charles II (John Malkovich)
Elizabeth Barry (Samantha Morton)

Synopsis:

    The story of The Libertine focuses on 17th-century womanizing poet John Wilmot (Johnny Depp), the Earl of Rochester, who befriended King Charles II (John Malkovich) and died at the young age of 33 after falling in love with aspiring actress Elizabeth Barry (Samantha Morton).

Notice:

    Jan. 8, 2004

    Depp Is Libertine

    Following on the heels of his rakish turn as Capt. Jack Sparrow in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL and preceding his role as the slightly sinister Willy Wonka in Tim Burton's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY comes another fitting part for Johnny Depp: that of 17th-century womanizer John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester.
    According to Variety, Depp has signed on to play the title role in The Libertine, based on Stephen Jeffreys play of the same title. John Malkovich and Samantha Morton are also committed to the project.
    Wilmot was a man who, in Samuel Johnson's words, »lived worthless and useless and blazed out his youth and health in lavish voluptuousness.« In other words, a hedonist of the first order. The earl befriended King Charles II (Malkovich) and fell in love with Elizabeth Barry (Morton), an unsuccessful actress, which led to his early death at age 33.
    The sexually charged period piece won't shirk from showing the earl's debauchery, and it might even receive an NC-17 rating. All of this probably pleases those Depp fans who rediscovered the sex symbol in Pirates.
    Filming starts Feb. 23 near London, under the direction of first-time film helmer Laurence Dunmore.

    (Source:  movies.com)