I caught Johnny Depp‘s appearance on The David Letterman Show last night to promote his production company (Infinitum Nihl) film The Rum Diary. I am glad I stayed awake for Johnny’s interview with Dave as this has re-ignited my passion for Hunter S. Thompson‘s gonzo journalism.
I was happily surprised to discover that the movie The Rum Diary is based upon the “first” novel by the Hunter S. Thompson. Johnny Depp as a close friend of Hunter S. Thompson(to learn more about Johnny Depp’s explosive pal read the Newsweek column Depp wrote) was the first to discover the original pieces of the book while going through a box at Hunter’s home. It was then the pact was struck between the two of them that a film could be made from these writings. Johnny Depp quipped to Hunter S. Thompson that first a book should be published. The Rum Diary was written in the early 1960s but was not published until 1998.
The movie, The Rum Diary was filmed in 2009. The Web site for The Rum Diary is smartly designed, with rich, interactive content that provides an engaging browsing experience. You owe to yourself if you remotely consider this film to peruse the site.
Take a minute to watch the trailer, I found it to be both humorous and strikingly original. We are eagerly looking forward to seeing the movie this weekend.
It’s noteworthy that Johnny Depp plays as a musician on four tracks on the The Rum Diary Soundtrack. He plays some instrumental rockers with his band, the Johnny Depp Band. There is a stark contrast of his musicianship on “The Mermaid Song” which he performs as a solo pianist. The same song is then sung by Johnny Depp’s bohemian kin Patti Smith. “The Mermaid Song” is performed a capella featuring Patti’s unique tonality. Her phrasing coupled with the timbre in her voice is haunting and poignant.
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