In typical Johnny Depp fashion, “The Libertine” is a movie that you either love or hate. The movie takes place in 17th century England and is directed by first-time director Laurence Dunmore. It is the story of John Wilmot (played by Depp), the Earl of Rochester, a writer renowned for his satire. The film traces the last years of Wilmot’s life: writing a play in honor of King Charles II, his affair with actress Liz Barry, his exile and finally his death from syphilis. While you may love Depp, this period piece certainly isn’t a film that will be universally adored.

Depp shines in his portrayal of a man consumed with his own hedonism. His drunken rants are reminiscent of Captain Jack Sparrow from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” yet Depp’s portrayal of Wilmot is darker and less comical than his cartoonish pirate scalawag. Depps’s Wilmot frequents whorehouses and is ultimately and completely consumed by alcoholism. However, Depp looks amazing throughout the first half of the film, perfectly pristine in the role of a 17th century gentleman and entirely absorbed in the atmosphere of the English playhouse. He doesn’t just act, he becomes his character.

Unfortunately ladies, Johnny Depp doesn’t look gorgeous for the entire film. Towards the end of the film, Wilmot starts to show the physical signs of syphilis — a disease that mainly disfigures the face and makes you bat-shit crazy. Yet, even with his greatest asset disfigured, Depp still exudes charisma. Depp has often said that his dream is to play a role in which his face is unrecognizable and in which he doesn’t have to care about his appearance. While women everywhere will cry at the sight of Depp’s mangled countenance, he clearly relished the role of Wilmot and did a perfect job portraying the man’s agony and frustrations with life.

Supporting Depp’s performance is Rosamund Pike, a play actress who portrays plays Elizabeth Malet — Wilmot’s wife. While hers was a small role, Pike holds her own beside the imposing acting presence of Depp. Her character’s passion and devotion for her husband shows in every nuanced look. She delivers a rather complex performance, capturing the suffering of a woman who loves a man, knows that his heart belongs to someone else, yet wonders if he loves her back. All these heart-wrenching emotions push to the forefront when she confronts him in an emotionally poignant scene.

But beware; this movie is not for the faint of heart. In contrast to other films set in England during the 17th century, it shows London at its darkest and dirtiest. Within the film’s copious number of sexually explicit scenes, phallic images abound (a dance with dildos is simultaneously disturbing and hilarious) and sex talk flows like the wine poured into Wilmot’s mouth. Like any good sexual rebel, Wilmot’s overt mocking of the king grants him an honor not uncommonly bestowed upon satirists — Jonathan Swift, anyone? — and he is banished. However, despite all of these flamboyant excesses, Depp manages to somehow depict a different side of Wilmot, the side that cared; he paints a complex portrait of a compelling man, creating a captivating character in the process.

From the very beginning, Wilmot warns his audience that they will not like him. Despite this warning, and despite the inherent despicable nature of the character — do you really see your parents watching this movie? — Depp conveys the more human side of Wilmot, sculpting a persona unscrupulous yet at the same time likable. Depp’s performance lets the audience look past the sensationalism associated with John Wilmot and end up empathizing with him.

Adding to the wonderful cast, John Malkovich plays King Charles II. His relationship with Wilmot shows both the tyrannical and arrogant nature of the British monarchy. But, at the same time, Malkovich makes King Charles II a compassionate individual who has just as many issues to deal with as any of the characters in the film. His struggles are externalized in his conflicts with Parliament and his subjects. Conversely, Wilmot’s struggle is internal, coming to terms with his emotions. The contrast between the characters establishes an interesting dichotomy that fuels many of their clashes; though they are different, they are intrinsically the same.

The final crux of the film is Wilmot’s love affair with the temptress Elizabeth Barry (Samantha Morton), which stems from his all-encompassing passion for his own pleasures. As interesting as cheating on your wife is, their relationship leaves something to be desired. It was not well developed and lacked some of the most enticing aspects of “forbidden love.” I ended up wishing that Wilmot would appreciate his wife more and that the story would indeed have a happy ending. Then again, life in 17th century London can’t be all peaches and cream.

Overall, while the movie drags in certain sequences, it is an excellent portrayal of John Wilmot’s life. Depp’s achieves his — and director Dunmore’s — goal of changing the public’s perception on this talented writer. Whether you love or hate “The Libertine,” Wilmot’s story is a compelling one. If you just can’t stomach British plays but still love Johnny Depp, he’ll be back as Jack Sparrow before you know it.