Johnny Depp gives one of his most remarkable performances as John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester, the 17th-century poet who drank and debauched his way to an early grave. First-time director Laurence Dunmore places Wilmot in the context of his time, away from the "gadzooks-egad" stereotypes of the Restoration setting and squarely in the forefront of the era's revolt against puritanism. Samantha Morton is marvellous as the would-be actress embroiled in the Earl's life, while John Malkovich makes an intriguingly ambiguous King Charles II. There are many other high spots, particularly Wilmot's address to Parliament, and the whole film has a simplicity of mood that's enhanced by the music of Michael Nyman. But this is Depp's movie. He eloquently and emotionally portrays this immoral yet fascinating man who died at the age of 33 having exhausted what there was of life.

The story of John Wilmot, a.k.a. the Earl of Rochester, a 17th century poet who famously drank and debauched his way to an early grave, only to earn posthumous critical acclaim for his life's work.