Lindsay: The Rum Diary brings a Hunter S. Thompson adaptation back to the screen for the first time since Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas. Like Fear and Loathing, TRD also stars Johnny Depp and features some similar themes of drinking and drugging. There’s a lot of beauty to behold in the film. Set in Puerto Rico, there are mounts of gorgeous beaches, breath-taking skylines, fancy cars and stunning ladies. But the sweet treasures of paradise are juxtaposed with dingy, run-down buildings, unacceptable living conditions and lots and lots of rum.
The inclusion of the word Diary in the title of this work should not be overlooked. The movie’s story transitions just like journal entries would, moving coherently but also somewhat disjointed, from one scene to the next. The plot is served best when it is focusing on the adventure comedy vibe rather than the uninspiring underdog story, which feels somewhat dull with the rest of the film. I can certainly see how this would be a really entertaining book, even if a little is lost in the film translation.
The films has really lovely cast. Johnny Depp is very fitting in the role and gives a believable performance. It’s amusing to see just how much of Hunter seeps into the part. Amber Heard is also notable here as a free-willing temptress. Heard has got the goods, is off-the-charts sexy and has some serious talent in my book.
Overall I enjoyed the film but wasn’t won over by it. It might be largely due to the fact that most of the jokes and gags in the film are completely spoiled in the trailer.
