Review of The Rum Diary (2011) by Collin M — 07 Mar 2013
A beautiful, cynical film. In reality it's a film that's about how HST found his voice, and that's what makes it an important film in the end. Johnny Depp is superb as always in the role of John Kemp, a stand in for a young HST before he really got into drugs.
Depp turns in a subtler, more nuanced performance here while keeping all the traits we expect out of HST. Amber Heard is sexy and great as the wild, free spirit that catches Kemp's eye but belongs to another man.
Aaron Eckhart does an excellent job as the smarmy villian of the film, but in reality isn't given much to really do....a waste of a talented actor if you ask me. That said, he does embody the role pretty perfectly.
The film takes place in an island paradise, but one that is as corrupt and depraved as it is breathtakingly beautiful. In the end, The Rum Diary is a sad, angry, dark film but one that is engaging and absolutely fantastic nontheless.
if you are a fan of HST and his works this is a definite must-see.
This review of The Rum Diary (2011) was written by Collin M on 07 Mar 2013.
The Rum Diary has generally received mixed reviews.
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