Friday October 21 Beginning w/ THE RUM DIARY

THE RUM DIARY

I arrived early to the Paramount to grab a spot on the red carpet to interview and also snap some photos of Johnny Depp as he entered the theater to present his latest film RUM DIARY. Unfortunately, though, I was a bit disappointed to find out that I was approved to work on the carpet, but only to snap photos. I really wish this had been made clear by those in charge as I had prepared questions for Depp, but nevertheless, I still enjoyed the excitement and craziness surrounding this sweet celebrity appearance in Austin. A massive crowd of fans surrounded the area on all sides, taking pictures and also bearing items, such as guitars and movies for Depp to autograph. The energy felt intensely exciting, and as a fan of Depp's work, I couldn't help, but feel this excitement as well.

As for the film, the packed house at the Paramount was treated to another motion picture adaptation of a Hunter S. Thompson novel. Depp once again stars as Thompson's protagonist, this time a character (based on Thompson) by the name of Paul Kemp. Kemp, an alcoholic disillusioned young journalist, travels to Puerto Rico to get away from the U.S. in the 1950s and takes a job at a low budget, struggling newspaper. While there, he becomes connected with ruthless businessman Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart) and his girlfriend Chenault (Amber Heard). He also befriends his paper colleagues Sala (Michael Rispioli) and the insane Moburg (a hilarious Giovanni Ribisi). Kemp's experiences inspire him to write and give him a reason to care about writing once again.

Considering that this film is based on Thompson's early, much younger days, this movie will be much more accessible than the hallucinogenic chaos that is FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS. I found the movie to be highly entertaining, lovable and full of heart. Depp once again shines as he obviously has a passion for Thompson's work. During the Q & A, Depp stated that he had befriended Thompson since working on FEAR AND LOATHING and had spent much time with him "sponging his soul." Depp mentioned that most people know only Thompson's "savage and maniacal" side. "He had a very moral side, a Southern gentleman." The film obviously plays as a loving tribute by Depp and director Bruce Robinson who does a fine job recreating this early period of Hunter S. Thompson's career.

Mark Saldana

The Movie Doc