Review of The Libertine (2004) by Elizabeth J — 21 Jun 2009

I am at a loss to understand film makers. In a world where all sorts of pornography passes for art and the attempt at realism why do they make dialogue supposedly of the 17th century sound like modern language! Such terms as "fucking" were not in common usage in the English language until well after the second World War.

Theatres in the 17th century were of necessity quite small and not the huge, sweeping areas shown in this film.

In no way, shape or form, does this film portray life in Stuart England which, whilst known to feature many excesses, would never feature these in public or on the stage!

I deplore the reduction of everything which is considered entertainment to sexual portrayals and obscene language.

The English language is a beautiful and very comprehensive one and surely we are now encouraging our young to descend to obscenities at every turn instead of encouraging the use of language as it was meant to be!

Who are these "writers" - they are a disgrace to the word.

I have seen many films in my long life and the ones which were the most enjoyable, employed no nudity or expletives. It is an insult to one's intelligence to make sexual scenes so graphic as well as to show graphic violence and mutilations.

One goes to the theatre or to the cinema to be amused and entertained - not to be shocked and sickened!

I am sure there are many people like me but not many who have the courage to say out loud that we are fed up of being fed this nonsense!