Johnny Depp likes Hunter S. Thompson, he’s previously starred in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and he enjoys talking about the writer at any given opportunity. So it’s not really a surprise that he’s starred in another film version of Thompson’s work as well as taking on producing duties. For some reason the American actor creates buzz around what ever he does even when it’s not very good. Take 2010’s The Tourist where he starred alongside siren, Angelina Jolie; a sure hit? Probably one of the worst films I’ve encountered with some of the stiffest acting ever seen on screen.
The Rum Diary is boringly predictable, achingly slow at times and smug in a way that makes any attempt at comedy cringingly awful.
I wanted to see this as the collaboration between Depp, Bruce Robinson ( dir. Withnail and I 1986) and Thompson’s text enticed me. The film had such potential but it just seemed to fall flat right from the off. Depp plays Paul Kemp an alcoholic journalist who gets posted in Puerto Rico. Cue Depp pulling Captain Jack faces as he enjoys the local liquor. I stifled a yawn as a love interest is introduced in the form of Chenault (Amber Heard) a stunning blonde wiggling around in a bikini.
But oh no wait....she’s married to Aaron Eckhart’s Sanderson a shady businessman etc etc.
My main issue with this film is why should I care? As a viewer I just felt like an outsider, there was nothing inviting about the film it just trudges along. You get the feeling neither Depp nor Robinson was particularly bothered about whether anyone watched it or not. A sort of Thompson appreciation society.
The latest pictures to emerge of Depp see him dressed as Tonto in the forthcoming film The Lone Ranger. I can see Jerry Bruckheimer now, shouting from behind the camera ‘Can you do that one again Johnny, but make it more ‘Captain Jack’ . Say something about rum.’
Let’s hope a new Tim Burton film sees a return to form.
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