Filmium Back to search
Movie Backdrop

The Libertine streaming

2004 Movie United Kingdom Drama, History, Romance, Biography 114 min FSK 16
By: Laurence Dunmore With: Samantha Morton, Paul Ritter, Francesca Annis, Johnny Depp, Rosamund Pike

In 1660, with the return of Charles II to the English throne, theater, the visual arts, science and sexual promiscuity flourish. Thirteen years later, in the midst of political and economical problems, Charles II orders the return of his friend John Wilmot, aka the second Earl of Rochester, from exile back to London. John is a morally-corrupt drunkard and a debauched, cynical poet. When the King asks John to prepare a play for the French ambassador so as to please him, John meets the aspiring actress Elizabeth Barry in the playhouse and decides to make her into a great star. He falls in love with her and she becomes his mistress. During the presentation to the King and the French ambassador, John falls into disgrace with the court. When he is thirty-three years old and dying of syphilis and alcoholism, he converts to being a religious man.

Filmium rating
50%

Mood

Dark
Introspective
Melancholic
Serious

Cast & Crew

Laurence Dunmore
Stephen Jeffreys
John Malkovich
Rosamund Pike
Stanley Townsend
Johnny Depp
Paul Ritter
Samantha Morton
Francesca Annis
Michael Nyman

Adaptation

Play Adaptation
Theatrical

Cinematic Technique

Character-Driven
Close-Ups
Dramatic Lighting
Murky Cinematography
On-Location Shooting
Symbolic

Narrative Structure

Biographical
Character-Focused
Flashbacks
Linear

Pace

Character-Driven
Deliberate
Dramatic
Introspective
Reflective
Slow
Slow-Paced
Tension-Building

Soundtrack

Classical Score
Michael Nyman

Style

Adaptation
Cinematic
Historical
Period Drama
Theatrical

Time-Period

17Th Century
Restoration England

Central Conflict

Artistic Integrity
Debauchery
Internal Struggle
Moral Conflict
Political Intrigue
Public Vs Private Life
Societal Pressure

Characters

Billy Downs
Elizabeth Barry
George Etherege
John Wilmot
King Charles Ii

Ending

Bittersweet
Death
Reflection
Tragic

Historical Context

Charles Ii
Exclusion Crisis
Political Upheaval
Restoration England

Key Plot Points

Death Of Friend
Playwriting Satire
Public Scandal
Royal Patronage
Syphilis Illness

Plot

Biographical
Decadence
Historical
Historical Conflict
Historical Drama
Historical Satire
Personal Conflict
Personal Demons
Satire
Societal Critique
Tragedy

Setting

1660S England
17Th Century
17Th Century England
Court Of Charles Ii
England
English Countryside
Historical Estates
Isle Of Man
London

Shooting Location

Charlecote Park
Isle Of Man
Montacute House
Wales

Theme

Addiction
Artistic Integrity
Consequences Of Actions
Corruption
Debauchery
Decadence
Love And Loss
Public Vs Private Life
Redemption
Search For Love

Genre

Biographical
Drama
Historical
Period Drama
Satire
Tragedy

Audiences

Adults
Drama Enthusiasts
Historical Drama Enthusiasts
History Buffs
History Enthusiasts
Theater Lovers
Theatre Lovers

Titles

Libertins
The Libertine
The Libertine - Sex, Drugs & Rococo
Либертин

Awards

British Independent Film Awards
Rosamund Pike Win

Box Office Success

$10.8 Million Worldwide

Critical Reception

Ebert Praise
Mixed Reviews
Rotten Tomatoes 33%

Ratings

Forty-Four Out Of One Hundred
Rating 4.8 Out Of 10

Reception

Award Nominations
Box Office Performance
Critical Reception
Critical Response
Mixed Reviews

Production Countries

United Kingdom

Release Year

2004
mowizz ID: 00bcda5a-d98b-4f69-9ea4-ad566eaa598e
Imprint
Privacy policy
Terms and Conditions
About us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Supported by:
KtBE
BAK
EGS
Suissimage
Swissperform
© 2026 Filmium GmbH - all external content remains the property of the rightful owner
Version: v1.2.66 (frontend) | (backend)