This week The League is all about first impressions. Though I’m certain this won’t be a popular choice, my mind immediately went to a movie that has one of the best opening monologues in cinematic history:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVH_eYxQzFg
My favorite Johnny Depp movie isn’t Edward Scissorhands or Pirates of the Carribean: Jesus Christ Please Stop Making These Movies.
It’s this lesser-known gem from 2004 called The Libertine, in which Depp gives one of the best performances of his career. He also says “The C-Word” quite a lot–something like 50 times by my count.
In 17th century London, Depp plays John Wilmot, second Earl of Rochester during the prime–and eventual fall–of his societal reign under King Charles II (John Malkovich). John is a gifted writer, but a misanthropic snob whose fondness for alcohol and insatiable lust become his undoing.
His slow decline in both health and social status is brilliantly portrayed by Depp, culminating in a spectacularly uncomfortable speech, in which he looks like this:
It’s quite a transformation, to say the least.
I can’t help but like him anyway.
Wondering what this is all about? This week’s assignment from The League of Extraordinary Bloggers was to share a moment in pop culture history that had us saying, “Now that’s how you make an introduction!” Here’s what made an impression on my fellow Leaguers:
- Cavalcade of Awesome was impressed by L.L. Cool J in Krush Groove
- Pop Rewind was more impressed by sequels than original movies
- Diary of a Dorkette, to nobody’s surprise, was impressed by She-Ra!
- Goodwill Hunting 4 Geeks was impressed by Thundercats. HOOOOOOOOOOOO!
- Infinite Hollywood was impressed by the Super Mario Bros. 3 machine at a store called Zayre
- Jathniel was impressed by Superman’s first flight
- Nerd Rage Against the Machine was impressed by Dr. Who
- Stunt Zombie also goes the Superman route, was impressed by Doomsday
- The Batcave Toyroom’s world was also rocked by Superman
- Retro Toy Safari was impressed by the original Star Wars
- The Mos Espa Collection was impressed by Heath Ledger as The Joker. Kinda pissed I didn’t think of it!
- Geek Chunks was impressed by awesome cartoon intros he’ll never forget.
- 3B’s Toy Hive was impressed by Batman!
