The Rum Diary (2011)
Directed by: Bruce Robinson
Written by: Bruce Robinson, Hunter S. Thompson
Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Amber Heard, Giovanni Ribisi, Johnny Depp, Michael Rispoli, Richard Jenkins
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YUx36yLLug[/youtube]
The Rum Diary (2011)
(15) Running time: 120 mins
Director: Bruce Robinson
Writers: Hunter S. Thompson
Starring: Johnny Depp, Giovanni Ribisi, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Rispoli, Amber Heard
Reviewed by: David Gillespie, official HCF artist
I really didn’t know what to expect when I sat down to watch Bruce Robinson’s (Withnail and I) take on The Rum Diary, a sort of prequel to the Hunter S. Thompson penned Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The latter was such an extreme assault on the senses that The Rum Diary could either have gone for the same strategy or something remarkably different. What Robinson has done is approach the subject matter in an area that is somewhere in between. He has presented us with something that is undenieably more palatable and linear than Terry Gilliam’s feature, yet by doing so has diluted all that was right with the original pill popping, ether supping acid trip.
The story takes place during the 1950’s as American Journalist, Paul Kemp or Hunter S. Thompson (Johnny Depp) takes on a freelance reporter position at a low quality newspaper in Peurto Rico. It seems his chances have been improved by the fact that he was the only one to apply for the job. After being removed from his hotel accomodation by unhinged editor, Lotterman (Richard Jenkins) for an unrealistic mini bar bill, Kemp hooks up with a newspaper photographer called Sala (Michael Rispoli) and infested rogue reporter, Moburg (a superb Giovanni Ribisi) in their cramped, down town flat. The three men share the accomodation with Sala’s fighting cockrels which are used to create some additional alcohol revenue.
Paul’s arrival has not been ignored by crooked PR entrepreneur, Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart) who has plans for the young reporter in his bid to exploit the island’s resources for his own financial gain and rise to power. Sanderson’s partner, Chenault (the beautiful Amber Heard) has her own reasons for wanting to spend more time with Paul. The scene where the couple meet for the time in the sea is completely charming and perhaps the most impressive sequence in the movie’s running time.
It is in the second half that any kind of pace or urgency hits proceedings. The ugly underbelly and simmering violence within Peurto Rico begins to bubble to the surface withKemp finally feeling obliged to drop the rum bottle and strike back at the corruption and wrongs of those exploiting the poor and defenceless within this tarnished paradise. The staff of the local newspaper band together in a bid to reveal Sanderson’s true intentions. However they might be fighting a losing battle.
It is probably pointless trying to evaluate the merits of The Rum Diary on the strength of it’s plot or resolution. There is very little in both departments. The plot does not start moving until a good two thirds of the way into the running time and it hits a brick wall when you start thinking it might have some purpose or destination. Supporters and fans of Hunter S. Thompson will argue that this is missing the point as the writer’s strengths are in his characters, incidents and dialogue. Yes, this is certainly true. Kemp’s flat mate’s Moburg and Sala are ingenius creations and almost make the journey worthwhile. Giovanni Ribisi’s portrayal of Moburg could well be his life defining role. He is a quite incredible creation.
There are also some hilarious situations and witty banter throughout. The unfortunate aspect of the whole project is that it does not mould together properly as a stoner/ slacker comedy, drama or anything else. If you have watched the trailer then you have seen the best moments and all the major plot devices in all of it’s two minutes. The Rum Diary is not a bad movie but could have tried that little bit harder to be a satisfying one.
Rating: 
Personally, I would never have chosen The Rum Diary to adapt into a film as it’s a difficult task. The book is about Paul Kemp who works at the San Juan Star and hangs out with colleague Bob Sala and violent friend Yeamon (who is missing from the film and is replaced by Sanderson, who pre-exists in the book). They get into various scenarios and it’s more about the experiences Paul goes through whilst in Puerto Rico, of course aided by rum, but rum is no means the focus as drugs might have been for Fear and Loathing. The two books are totally opposite and I always saw The Rum Diary as a straight tale laced with very mild Gonzo style, this being one of his first novels and before he truly found his writing feet. The film took aspects of the book and made a story out of it, which I thought they did well at. However in the book, there wasn’t a happy ever after type ending. Chenault did a disappearing act and that was it. I can see your points and I can say many people share your views. I think this is very much a HST fan film. As a fan, I thought it was fab but it is indeed a very different animal to Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas and anyone expecting otherwise will be sorely disappointed.
I was probably a bit harsh in my grading of the movie. It has some undoubtedly memorable moments and characters. I was just expecting much more and yes, I did expect a Fear and Loathing part 2 which this is most certainly not.
I can still feel your love for Hunter S. Thompson’s work though.
I wouldn’t say The Rum Diary is my favourite of his work. My favourite was when he really got weird and OTT. He really came into his own around Fear and Loathing stage, although I do think Rum Diary was a good book. I think most people were itching for Fear and Loathing Part 2 but this was HST before he got into drugs.
I thought the cast were amazing. I love the yacht scene with Kemp looking through the telescope, then the couple walking in on him perving at Sanderson and Chenault having sex in the sea and making all sorts of innuendos. lol.
There was some very funny scenes. I enjoyed the bit where Moburg asks Depp’s character to check him for sexual diseases. Bat, you’re gonna convince me that I rated this film wrong.
I think it deserves 7/10. 😉
Ha, ha, you should be in sales!