Review of The Rum Diary (2011) by Filipeneto — 23 May 2020

This is one of those cases where they seem to have decided to make a film without material to fully justify it. Very inspired by the short passage through Puerto Rico by the journalist Hunter S. Thompson, who would become important decades later when he founded a new way of making journalism, it starred Johnny Depp, who was a personal friend of Thompson.

Well, let's start by analysing the cast. Depp is excellent. Even those who don't like the eccentric style of his characters have to acknowledge his commitment and professionalism. He is an excellent professional who is fully committed to this film. This is noticeable. Michael Rispoli is also good and counteracts very well with Depp, especially in the comic scenes. Aaron Eckhart was a good addition and did a pretty decent job. The remaining cast is not so good: Richard Jenkins and Giovanni Ribisi seemed frankly underused and Amber Heard only stands out because she is pretty enough with the minimum of clothes.

But the biggest problem with this film is the lack of a script: Paul Kemp is an American journalist who decides to go to Puerto Rico, where rum is the most consumed drink. He already had alcohol problems and goes into a state of eternal drunkenness, like some other journalists from his almost bankrupt newspaper. But his reputation catches the eye of Sanderson, a businessman who needs to be talked about but is involved in something illegal. At the same time, Kemp is very attracted to Chenault, Sanderson's hot girlfriend. In short, the film has a structure and good premises, but does not know how to develop them. It takes a long time to get to Kemp's involvement with Sanderson, and then it doesn't know how to give a logical conclusion to the plot. We never really understand what happens next and the ending is abrupt and... well, bad!

Technically, the film is good at creating an environment. It was able to capture the relaxed and holiday spirit that Westerners associate with Caribbean, but it also gives an interesting idea of what it is like to live there, the difficulties, the poverty, the improvisational spirit of those who live there, and how often they feel that they're exploited by the "gringos". That raises a lot of questions, as to whether Puerto Ricans feel as American as the Mainland natives. Cinematography was able to enjoy the best of the Caribbean landscapes, with white sand beaches, calm and very blue seas, pleasant bars... the sets and costumes help with the old houses, cars that have had many owners and few or no clothes.

Good scenery, incredible landscapes and an interesting approach to the Caribbean way of life are redeeming qualities in this film, which combines with a good cast and a very good Depp, perfect for his role... but these qualities do not help to forget the bad script and how poor the story was developed.