Film & TV

Film Review: The Rum Diary

Now showing at Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas

Rum Diary is based on an unpublished manuscript by the late, controversial journalist Hunter S. Thompson. Co-written and directed by Bruce Robinson, it stars Johnny Depp as journalist Paul Kemp and it recalls a colourful chapter of Thompson's life in 1960, where he left the loud insanity of New York and travelled to the pristine island of Puerto Rico to work at the San Juan Star newspaper.

Becoming immediately comfortable with the rum-soaked life of the island, Paul Kemp (Depp) soon becomes obsessed with Chenault (pronounced 'Chanel' and played by Amber Heard), the stunning Connecticut-born fiancée of corrupt entrepreneur Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart). Sanderson has joined a growing number of shady American businessmen determined to convert Puerto Rico into a capitalist paradise to service of the wealthy.

Sanderson wants Kemp to write favorably about his latest unsavory scheme. This leaves Kemp with a dilemma: should he write well to further the corrupt businessmen's financial benefit, or use his words to bring him down?

Meanwhile, the San Juan Star and its few remaining workers, such as photographer Sala (Michael Rispoli) and their unethical resident drunk Moberg (Giovanni Ribisi), are facing bankruptcy.

The origins of this film actually started in 1990 when Johnny Depp was visiting his close friend Hunter Thompson and they came across his diaries of his time in Puerto Rico. They decided to shape them into a book and film. Depp makes a smooth slide into the tailor-made role of Kemp. It is sad to see that Thompson died in 2005, so he never saw the film, but those close to him have given their support and encouraging thoughts that he would have approved.

I heard several accusations that it "meanders", however it is not aimless, – you get the point. It is also quite funny in many scenes. I saw the beautiful settings, the beautiful people, the hot man "taking the bastards down", – a great way to spend an afternoon!

Another hit for the gorgeous Depp.

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