Theatrical Movie Poster (2011) |
The film stays pretty faithful to the book, and what I loved most about the film is that Thompson's spirit is predominant throughout the film. Depp is absolutely believable as a very young and constrained Paul Kemp (or as Hunter), and the cast could not have been more dead on. Depp is fantastic as Paul, who is one half of Thompson's personality, while Sanderson is the other half. Eckhart is suave and manipulative as the rich aristocrat Sanderson. However, it is Amber Heard that will be talked about. Not only is this woman just absolutely drop dead gorgeous, but her performance as Chensault was really well done. An excellent performance from an actress whose prior roles were as Nicolas Cage's daughter Piper in DRIVE ANGRY and as Angie Anderson in PINEAPPLE EXPRESS. She also starred in John Carpenter's THE WARD, which was released on Blu-Ray and DVD this past October. Hopefully we'll be seeing more form this beautiful and talented actress.
The film was written and directed by Bruce Robinson, who has only directed three other films (1987's WITHNAIL AND I, 1989's HOW TO GET AHEAD IN ADVERTISING, and 1992's JENNIFER EIGHT). Robinson was sober for six and a half years before writing the screenplay for the film, upon which he suffered a severe writer's block. To find inspiration, he began drinking again (about a bottle a day) until the script was completed. Afterwards, he stopped drinking, so goes the story. But it's a story that Hunter might of liked to hear.
THE RUM DIARY is a great, entertaining, art house film that some will like, and some won't. Fans of Hunter S. Thompson (and of the film FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS) will enjoy watching the film. I personally enjoyed the film, as it carried Hunter's own personal beliefs about life, love, and rebellion. Something that we all need more of in this world.
THE RUM DIARY is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com
Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!
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