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Rating:  - My Beautiful Johnny Why?
I did not like this film at all I found it very boring!!! And I honestly hated How hidous They made Johnny depp. That bothered me the most!!!! yuck!
Rating:  - Terribly despicable, yet decadently haunting and honest
I am hardly a "fan" of Depp's, and as of late he does seem typecast as certain characters with a malevolent streak; however, I did like his intense performance in this film. His character also lends an air of dark humour that I liked, while at the same time, he is hardly a caricature, as most "mad, bad, and dangerous" men tend to be (i.e. Lord Byron or the Marquis de Sade). Terribly despicable, yet decadently haunting and honest describes both Rochester and the film itself.
While I would personally never condone the antics or immorality of Rochester, his honesty and daring to be different are somewhat interesting in scope. Fierce in character and yet feline in his sexual mores, with an unusual sense of independence, his predictable downfall also lent an air of reality, rather than cast him as a hero, painting him as an anti-hero we might hate and love at the same time, just like the various women in his life and friends and enemies.
The romance was an interesting notion, his "great love" being the most interesting aspect of this film; however, I do have to note that Morton, despite seeming to be a sweet girl in real life, is rather bland here, and I don't think there was any chemistry between the two actors, not enough to make it seem believable. I also thought Morton was rather cold, and her rejection of Rochester didn't fit in with the "great love" theme, although I do understand the point to some degree. I suppose I would have liked to see more intensity here despite, rather than so much restraint.
Despite the small flaws here, this film has a stark quality to it, even a sort of gloomy romanticism, that is rather haunting, and as haunting as Rochester's dark and troubled soul, leading to an equally haunting and terrible ending that won't soon be forgotten.
**Oh, by the way, GREAT soundtrack, as well as a perfectly lurid and gloomy cinematography.
Addendum: I have changed my mind about Morton as of late. I actually think she was okay in her role. Anyway, I might change my mind again, but so far I am thinking she was probably the best actress to suit the role.
Rating:  - Mud and Poetry
Lit by candles during overcast weather; almost as muddy as Mel Gibson's Diggervision flicks. And you'd better love 17th-century poetry.
For a more interesting version, look up John Wilmot, 2nd earl of Rochester, in Wikipedia, and read it.
It's a lot more fun. Although Johnny Depp with a silver nose IS interesting.
Rating: - There should be negative star ratings
This movie took too much time from my life and I want it back! One of the worst movies I've ever seen!!
Rating:  - A superb film
Remarkable on many levels. Those who are squeamishness about language and content are likely to be horrified. Those who cannot stomach obscene language are advised to steer clear though the language is appropriate in the context of Wilmot and the period. Those who saw it coming from a diet of pirates and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are likely to be taken aback. It is a tour de force if a flawed one but the flaws are unimportant. It's a brave film about a remarkable man whose self-destructiveness was legend. I would never have credited Depp with the talent to play such a complex character. There were moments of sheer acting brilliance on his part. There were also moments of over-acting but you can forgive him those when stacked against the other. Samantha Morton who played Elizabeth Barry was superb as was Malkovich. They all were. It was a very moving film and one I was glad to have caught by sheer accident. Some decry the often drab scenery, the low-budget approach, even the occasionally inept focus but I think they miss the point. I will be buying the film.
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