The Libertine (2004 film)

The Libertine is a 2004 BritishAustralian drama film, the first film directed by Laurence Dunmore. It was adapted by Stephen Jeffreys from his play of the same name, starring Johnny Depp, John Malkovich, Samantha Morton and Rosamund Pike.

The story begins with John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester Depp, delivering his prologue, the main themes of which are his fondness for drink, his sexual proclivities, and his disdain for his audience.King Charles II Malkovich decides to summon his great friend, the Earl, back to London, retracting a yearlong banishment for humiliating him, after only three months exile. Rochester arrives in London to find his friends in a bawdy house they are known as the Merry Gang and include George Etherege Hollander and Charles Sackville Vegas. On the street, Rochester comes across a thief, Alcock Coyle, whose frankness about his dishonesty impresses Rochester. He hires Alcock as his gentleman on the spot. The Merry Gang introduce its newest member, 18yearold Billy Downs Friend. Rochester warns Downs, Young man, you will die of this company. ........

Source: Wikipedia