Johnny Depp Plays it Cool: Two New Clips from 'The Rum Diary'

Thursday, 27 October 2011 12:46 Written by Jordan DeSaulnier

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Johnny Depp Plays it Cool: Two New Clips from 'The Rum Diary'

Last week, we saw two clips from The Rum Diary, an adaptation of the first novel written by legendary Gonzo journalist and literary ass-kicker Hunter S. Thompson. Those two excerpts highlighted a familiar side of the latest Thompson surrogate played by Johnny Depp, as freelance journalist Paul Kemp dabbled in psychedelics and driving utterly without caution. Now, with the movie hitting theaters in mere hours, FilmDistrict has released two more clips that show the more taciturn side of freewheeling Kemp. In the first, he's scrutinized by his toupee-wearing new editor, played with relish by the always-great Richard Jenkins, and in the second, he raises an eyebrow at the ruminations of a wealthy, wealthy man, played by Aaron Eckhart.

While it's not the same as his wonderfully over-the-top, thoroughly drug-addled Raoul Duke from 1998's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, you can definitely hear the same sort of Thompson voice from Depp here. That makes sense, as this particular Thompson doppleganger is younger and less completely blitzed than Duke.

The Rum Diary represents the first directorial effort from Bruce Robinson since 1992's Jennifer Eight. Robinson won a place in many, many hearts for his odd, great Withnail and I, and his involvement is the most exciting thing about this movie. Seeing Depp once again paying homage to his real life mentor and buddy Thompson again is also cause for celebration, though.

They don't show up in these two clips, but the rest of the cast includes Amber Heard, Michael Rispoli, Giovanni Ribisi, and Marshall Bell.

The Rum Diary arrives tomorrow, October 28th.