Ahhh, the tropical beaches, the endless ocean view…there’s just one thing missing. Hold up, here he is-Johnny Depp. Is he slapping on the eye shadow for another nautical odyssey as Captian Jack Sparrow? Not quite. THE RUM DIARY skips ahead a couple of centuries to set ashore in Puerto Rico circa 1960. But Depp is in somewhat familiar territory. The film is based on the work of Depp’s late friend, Hunter S. Thompson. This would be the second Depp / Thompson film project ( not counting Hunter’s cameo/ tribute in the animated RANGO ) after Terry Gilliam’s 1998 screen adaptation of FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS. Does this new flick match that earlier film’s gonzo lunacy?
The film begins with Paul Kemp’s ( Depp ) arrival in San Juan during the politically turmoil of 1960. This chain-smokin’, hard-drinkin’, cynical writer is about to begin a new job at the English language newspaper The San Juan Star. After making his way past a demonstration by striking workers he meets his future roommate and adventure partner paunchy, wiseguy/ photographer Bob Sala ( Michael Rispoli ). Kemp also meets his boss, burnt-out editor Lotterman ( Richard Jenkins ). Try not stare at that very bad toupee! At the docks Kemp meets another Star staffer, religion writer Moburg ( Giovanni Ribisi ), a near derelict who spends most of his days scavenging through the garbage of San Juan. A guy-on-the make, public relations man Sanderson ( Aaron Eckhart ) takes note of Kemp’s recent arrival. The PR whiz believe that he should fit into his plans. unfortunately Kemp also catches the eye of Sanderson’s young, free-spirited, blonde-bombshell girlfriend Chenault ( Amber Heard ). For the next few days Kemp indulges in all the country’s vices while discovering the extreme poverty of the natives who don’t reap the benefits of the big developments spearheaded by Sanderson and some high rollers from the states.
The first act of the film is a whole lot of fun as we drink in the 60’s atmosphere ( fashions, cars,and a look at a Kennedy/ Nixon presidential debate ) and meet these quirky characters. Rispoli’s Bob is very endearing as the gravelly voiced, hard-nosed sidekick, confidant. Ribisi almost floats through his scenes with an otherworldly vibe as the well-connected, resourceful street spirit. Jenkins takes the old gruff editor cliché and gives him a sad edge as a fellow who’s seen it all and doesn’t want to make waves. Eckhart is oily perfection in a role he’s staked a claim to since his sleazy IN THE COMPANY OF MEN businessman oozed off the screen. Heard more than fills the bill as the femme fatale staple of noir thrillers. The screen almost sizzles as she flirts with Kemp. Speaking of Kemp, the movie’s main draw is another crude, shifty wildman played by Depp. He’s always interesting to watch. Here he bugs his eyes while racing through his line deliveries. At times he’s almost channeling Thompson ( even down to the way he handles his cigarette ). For Depp’s devout fans, this film is a must see. Unfortunately the film is a tough, long slog for those of us not completely enamored of his every move. This is director Bruce Robinson’s first film in nearly twenty years and he has trouble with the pacing on this. It seems to be in the same alcoholic haze as most of the characters ( for you Thompson fans there’s one hallucinogen sequence ). When they’re not boozing it up, it seems like Kemp and company are always being chased through the picturesque streets. Oddly the film’s ending seems abrupt and truncated. There doesn’t seem to be a real sense of urgency to any of the proceedings. This is more the fault of a meandering script that perhaps needed a bit more polishing. THE RUM DIARY may seem like a frothy screen excursion, but like many getaways, you may be tired,exhausted , and in need of another vacation when it’s done.
Overall Rating: Two Out of Five Stars
