Image from The Rum Diary released

It’s been 13 years since  Johnny Depp pulled on a Hawaiian shirt and chomped down on that iconic cigarette holder. The film was, of course, Terry Gilliam’s FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, and the character Raoul Duke, the poorly disguised alter-ego of Hunter S. Thompson, writer of the original book. The film remains immensely popular, and is perhaps the best-loved drugs caper since Cheech and Chong first rolled up a fatty in 1978. Fans will know that there is much more beneath FEAR AND LOATHING, and as much of Thompson’s work did, it dares to peer beneath the veil of Americana, exposing unpopular and dark truths within the ‘American Dream’.

Following Thompson’s suicide in 2005, fans of his work were keen to see another adaptation of his work, and particularly for Depp to be involved. After all, his performance in FEAR AND LOATHING is a highlight of his career so far, and his connection to the material is obvious. How fitting then, that he should be returning as another of Thompson’s alter-egos, this time Paul Kemp, the protagonist of the new adaption THE RUM DIARY. The story tells of journalist Kemp’s journey from San Juan, Puerto Rico to work with a newspaper.

Check out this brand new image featuring Depp and co-star Amber Heard, just released by GK films. The film also stars Aaron Eckhart, Gionvanni Ribisi, and Marshall Bell. It is directed by Bruce Robinson (WITHNAIL & I) and will be on limited release from 28th October.