The Rum Diary

A few laughs and some neat glimpses into the genesis of the cult writer

Though it fails to live up to the billing of the huge wealth of talent involved in it's production, 'The Rum Diary' offers a few laughs and some neat glimpses into the genesis of the cult writer behind the original novel, as well as a rare chance to see retired director Bruce Robinson back in action.

The hype…
'Withnail & I' director Bruce Robinson is coaxed out of retirement by Johnny Depp for this adaptation of the early Hunter S. Thompson novel of the same name. It's a labour of love for the actor, who produces and stars in the finished product, but it's riled some Thompson fans in the States and could do the same here in the UK.

The story…
Eager to escape the confines of Eisenhower-era America, journalist Paul Kemp (Depp) flies to Puerto Rico to take a job at ailing local paper the San Juan Star. However, editor Lotterman (Richard Jenkins) is stressed out. The printers are rioting in protest at their low pay, a symptom of a society brutally divided between affluent Americans and a poor, exploited local population, and his staff are mostly rum-soaked losers.

Unfortunately for him, Kemp is little different. He soon befriends affable journo Sala (Michael Rispoli) and falls headlong into the booze-fuelled lifestyle of the sunny island.

However, things are complicated when local property investor Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart) offers to bring Kemp in on a huge deal as an 'opinion former', sweetening the public on a planned paradise condo for more wealthy Americans. Kemp is torn between the ethics and the money, but he's also very, very distracted by Sanderson's stunning fiancée Chenault (Amber Heard).

The breakdown…

A difficult adaptation to undertake, 'The Rum Diary' has an admirable go at capturing the spirit of the novel, but is unlikely to please a large swathe of it's target audience. This is in large part because it's not supposed to be a fully-faithful adaptation of the novel. Nor is it a direct tribute to its author.

Depp may have made this out of love for his late friend, but Bruce Robinson's script tugs threads from the novel and weaves them into a very different narrative. For a start, the book's two main characters are rolled into one, Paul Kemp. It's a bold move, and one unlikely to ingratiate Thompson purists, but it makes for a much simpler, stronger, story.

As Kemp meanders his way through the socio-political minefield of '60s Puerto Rico, Depp and Robinson spatter his adventures with all of the key characteristics of early Thompson. There's outrage at the exploitation of the poor locals, manic drunken episodes, and even a few scorching lines of dialogue that combine the spirit of the novel with the whip-smart work of the man behind 'Withnail & I'.

The trouble is that the intensity and clarity of purpose aren't maintained at all. One minute we're flying through the pitch black countryside as a pair of drunken crazies fight off enraged pursuers, the next we're in a plush mansion talking politics or ogling the stunning Amber Heard.

It flits between escapism and meaningful narrative at such an alarming rate that it's impossible to settle in to the story, and by the time the various elements are being pulled together, it's hard to care about any of them anymore.

Perhaps if the film was more focussed on comedy and escapism, on capturing the spirit of Thompson, or on conveying the world that so excited and outraged him, 'The Rum Diary' could have been a satisfying watch. As it is, it's more likely to be remembered by moaning fans of the source material than eager new converts.

Still, it should provide some chuckles and attractive sun-soaked imagery for a few casual cinemagoers enticed by the talent involved.

The verdict…
If you're a Hunter S. Thompson fanatic, you're likely to resent the meddling with his novel, even with the admirable aim of capturing the genesis of the originator of gonzo journalism. The rest of you may just find this rambling voyage somewhat pointless. But there is some fun to be had if you're willing to give the film a chance.

Rating: 2.5/5

'The Rum Diary' is due to be released in the UK on 11 November. Certificate: 15.