The Rum Diarys Will Be Johnny Depp's Best Work

Johnny Depp is involved with a movie adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's early book The Rum Diaries. When Depp finishes his current projects he will move on to The Rum Diary which is currently scheduled for release in 2009. Johnny Depp has already portrayed a Hunter character in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Though the name of the character is Paul Kemp; the character is as much Hunter as Raoul Duke was in Fear and Loathing. Hunter's characters were often himself disguised in name. The Rum Diarys is based on his time in Puerto Rico in 1960 as an aspiring young journalist. The book is definitely Hunter but is different from his later works and shows his Hemingway influence.

Depp and Hunter were kindred spirits in their ways and lives, and Johnny actually lived with Thompson in preparation for Fear and Loathing. After Hunter died Depp even helped make Hunter's cannon shot funeral possible. As Hunter was his friend I expect him to put a lot into the role and will play it as nobody else would be able. If you can't wait for the movie then read the book as it is one of the best pieces of literature produced in the 20th century.