The Rum Diary
Johnny Depp again portrays legendary Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson (after 1998's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) in this adaptation of Thompson's novel about his experiences working in Puerto Rico in the late 50s. Directed by Bruce Robinson (Withnail and I).
Depp plays Paul (the story's Thompson stand-in), a young American journalist who accepts a job working on a small newspaper in the Caribbean. Upon arrival, he finds the paper's self-destructive employees fuelled by booze and maniacal ideas. As he struggles to find his groove on the island he gets entangled in a violent love triangle as his obsessions with rum and the woman Chenault (Zombieland's Amber Heard) begin to consume him. Aaron Eckhart and Giovanni Ribisi also star.
- Director:
- Bruce Robinson ('Withnail and I', 'How to Get Ahead in Advertising', 'Jennifer Eight')
- Writer:
- Bruce Robinson
- Cast:
- Johnny DeppAmber HeardAaron EckhartGiovanni RibisiRichard JenkinsBill SmitrovichMichael RispoliJulian HollowayAmaury NolascoMarshall BellKaren AustinJason Smith
Reviews & comments
Variety
pressDepp more or less reprises his role as Thompson's alter ego, once again playing a journalist whose yen for excess obscures the idealism at his core. But the film, despite its obvious intelligence and flashes of wit, doesn't bring that passion across.
Variety
pressDepp more or less reprises his role as Thompson's alter ego, once again playing a journalist whose yen for excess obscures the idealism at his core. But the film, despite its obvious intelligence and flashes of wit, doesn't bring that passion across.
Total Film
pressFull of affection for the late Dr T, this droll if bitty frolic is destined to form a triple bill someday with Fear And Loathing and Where The Buffalo Roam.
The New York Times
pressA mild lark disguised as a wild bender, The Rum Diary is also a touching tribute to Thompson himself.
Roger Ebert
pressWe have the feeling that Kemp/Thompson saw much of life through the bottom of a dirty glass and did not experience it with any precision. The film duplicates this sensation, not with much success.
Los Angeles Times
pressIn every move, Depp makes you believe this was a passion project for the actor, one he dedicates to Thompson.
Hollywood Reporter
pressA relatively mild diversion, not at all unpleasant but neither compelling nor convulsive.
Empire Magazine
pressA fitting tribute to Hunter and the demise of the American Dream, but first and foremost a thrilling and funny snapshot of a country on its knees and a writer finding his feet.
Variety
pressDepp more or less reprises his role as Thompson's alter ego, once again playing a journalist whose yen for excess obscures the idealism at his core. But the film, despite its obvious intelligence and flashes of wit, doesn't bring that passion across.
Variety
pressDepp more or less reprises his role as Thompson's alter ego, once again playing a journalist whose yen for excess obscures the idealism at his core. But the film, despite its obvious intelligence and flashes of wit, doesn't bring that passion across.
Total Film
pressFull of affection for the late Dr T, this droll if bitty frolic is destined to form a triple bill someday with Fear And Loathing and Where The Buffalo Roam.
The New York Times
pressA mild lark disguised as a wild bender, The Rum Diary is also a touching tribute to Thompson himself.
Roger Ebert
pressWe have the feeling that Kemp/Thompson saw much of life through the bottom of a dirty glass and did not experience it with any precision. The film duplicates this sensation, not with much success.
Los Angeles Times
pressIn every move, Depp makes you believe this was a passion project for the actor, one he dedicates to Thompson.
Hollywood Reporter
pressA relatively mild diversion, not at all unpleasant but neither compelling nor convulsive.
Empire Magazine
pressA fitting tribute to Hunter and the demise of the American Dream, but first and foremost a thrilling and funny snapshot of a country on its knees and a writer finding his feet.
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