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The Rum Diary (2011) Movie Review

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The story goes that whilst he was following (and studying) famed Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson for his role in Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas. Johnny Depp discovered The Rum Diary manuscript written by Thompson in a box. Then, like a modern dead-sea scrolls, he persuaded Thompson to publish the story in novel form (Thompson had suggested a film version himself).Yet, Thompson found he was unable to edit the story as years of drugs, alcohol and politics had hardened him to the point that he no longer recognised himself as the young journalist that wrote The Rum Diary. Ironic that a writer, who would only hand copy in as it went to press to avoid editing, found he unable to change the voice of his younger self. The Rum Diary’s plot focuses on a fictionalised Thompson. Confused young journalist Paul Kemp (Depp) arrives in Puerto Rico to start work at the failing San Juan Star. Courted by the shady property developer Sanderson (Eckhart), who employs him to write favourably for his lat