17th century Depp-auchery

17 November 2005

THE LIBERTINE (18)

Following on the heels of his rakish turn as Capt Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean and as the slightly sinister Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Johnny Depp plays The Libertine (18).

No, it's not a biopic about notorious rock star Pete Doherty, it's the tale of 17th century womanising poet John Wilmot.

Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester, befriended King Charles II (John Malkovich) and died at 33 after falling in love with aspiring actress Elizabeth Barry (Samantha Morton).

The sexually charged period piece doesn't shirk from showing the earl's debauchery - hence the adult certificate.

It's based on a play by Stephen Jeffreys.