Film Review written for Falmouth based website, Rushes: film.falmouth.ac.uk
Johnny Depp in The Rum Diary
Directed By: Bruce Robinson
Starring: Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Giovanni Ribisi and Amber Heard
Release Date: 11 December 2011
It has been over a decade since two independent production companies decided to adapt Hunter S. Thompson’s novel, The Rum Diary; into a film. Since then, the project has been passed around from company to company like a bad disease. Twice, the film didn’t move past the development stage, and after being cast for the lead role twice, Johnny Depp’s (Pirates of the Caribbean, Rango, Alice In Wonderland)production company took on joint responsibility for the film and it finally saw some movement. Depp sought out only the best for the film, convincing writer/director Bruce Robinson (Withnail And I) to direct his first film for almost 20 years.
The film is loosely based on Thompson’s own experiences as a journalist working for a sports newspaper in Puerto Rico. Set in 1960, it follows journalist Paul Kemp in his new job at the English-language newspaper, the San Juan Star. We watch as Kemp gets involved with Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart; Battle:Los Angeles, The Dark Knight), a sly PR who tempts a life of luxury in return for covering up his dodgy tourism dealings from the public. Mishaps ensue as Kemp is torn between drink, love and loyalty only to come out victorious following his own betrayal.
The Rum Diary is an enjoyable film which manages to capture the 1960’s aesthetic beautifully. The narrative however, isn’t all that gripping but frequently compensates with sharp writing and visual gags. The cast bring the story to life as best as they can but too often the audience is left more enthralled by the spectacular cinematography than the progression of plot. Robinsons’ comeback is confident and Depp’s performance is as usual, a delight. As an end product however, The Rum Diary falls just short of greatness due to some uneven pacing, but remains a frequently hilarious adaptation which helps overlook such negligible flaws.
Positive: Easy viewing, funny and well written.
Negative: Odd pacing, some dull moments.
Overall: A solid comeback for Bruce Robinson and an indication at greater things to come.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Giovanni Ribisi and Amber Heard
Release Date: 11 December 2011
It has been over a decade since two independent production companies decided to adapt Hunter S. Thompson’s novel, The Rum Diary; into a film. Since then, the project has been passed around from company to company like a bad disease. Twice, the film didn’t move past the development stage, and after being cast for the lead role twice, Johnny Depp’s (Pirates of the Caribbean, Rango, Alice In Wonderland)production company took on joint responsibility for the film and it finally saw some movement. Depp sought out only the best for the film, convincing writer/director Bruce Robinson (Withnail And I) to direct his first film for almost 20 years.
The film is loosely based on Thompson’s own experiences as a journalist working for a sports newspaper in Puerto Rico. Set in 1960, it follows journalist Paul Kemp in his new job at the English-language newspaper, the San Juan Star. We watch as Kemp gets involved with Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart; Battle:Los Angeles, The Dark Knight), a sly PR who tempts a life of luxury in return for covering up his dodgy tourism dealings from the public. Mishaps ensue as Kemp is torn between drink, love and loyalty only to come out victorious following his own betrayal.
The Rum Diary is an enjoyable film which manages to capture the 1960’s aesthetic beautifully. The narrative however, isn’t all that gripping but frequently compensates with sharp writing and visual gags. The cast bring the story to life as best as they can but too often the audience is left more enthralled by the spectacular cinematography than the progression of plot. Robinsons’ comeback is confident and Depp’s performance is as usual, a delight. As an end product however, The Rum Diary falls just short of greatness due to some uneven pacing, but remains a frequently hilarious adaptation which helps overlook such negligible flaws.
Positive: Easy viewing, funny and well written.
Negative: Odd pacing, some dull moments.
Overall: A solid comeback for Bruce Robinson and an indication at greater things to come.
