Review of The Rum Diary (2011) by Cheyne L — 24 May 2013

There's a quite bothersome complaint among many moviegoers that films have to have a succinct plot, dramatic character development, and a three act structure in order to even be considered to be a great film .

. well, almost all, because every now and again there comes along a film with a different focus, like character study, or artistic integrity, or whatever .. frankly, to say 'the rum diary' is lacking in plot and character development, is simply not true, because I found there to be a definite plot, and definite character development, but both attributes are really very subtle .

. my hats of to Robinson, he created a refreshing film, with solid characters and great pace, even though it's long, it didn't feel long .. I can tell Robinson goal was to recreate a chapter of Hunter S Thompson's life without changing things around wily nilly to please those people who think all movies have to have the same structure .

. 'the rum diary' is a decidedly toned down portraiture of Thompson, compared to films like 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' or 'Where The Buffalo Roam', and I love it like that .

. it's true to life, the situations, the depictions of the locals and that society in general, it's a very well thought out film with it's heart in the right place .. sure, it's rambling, and plays like a book, a series of chapters, but all around a singularly powerful influence of journalism and literature in the twentieth century, Hunter S Thompson, and I couldn't think of someone better than Johnny Depp to portray this character .

. one can just sense Depp's understanding of Thompson, from his intense studies and friendship with the man for a good period of both men's lives .. Depp is a pleasure to watch, without a doubt this is some of the most fun I've had watching him in a film for some time .

. I was totally into this movie, and although the plot is razor thin, it is there .. life isn't always about plot and character development, in fact, those things are just made up for movies .. in real life, people don't change, and there is no three act structure to our days, so tone down your critical eye and enjoy this fine piece of filmmaking, boasting great cinematography and a great leading man .

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