The Rum Diary



A 2011 film starring Johnny Depp, based on Hunter S. Thompson's lone Novel and written and directed by Bruce Robinson.

Paul Kemp arrives on the island of Puerto Rico after being enlisted to become the newest reporter for the San Juan Star. Kemp is introduced to his newest co-workers and cigar-chomping editor boss and is told he will be doing color stories for the paper. The movie revolves around the many adventures Kemp gets himself into, eventually including a plot to purchase a nearby unspoiled island and turn it into yet another tourist destination.


 * The Alcoholic: Most of the main cast, but especially the side character Moberg whose booze consumption puts the rest of the cast drunken characters to shame.
 * Booze Flamethrower: Used to fend off angry Puerto Ricans, and accidently used to fry a police officers face.
 * Da Editor: Lotterman is a vaguely corrupt version of this trope.
 * Everything's Better with Chickens: The cock fighting sub-plot.
 * The Film of the Book
 * Gonzo Journalism: Possibly an origin story.

"The Irish one will win. But they won't let him live."
 * Intrepid Reporter: Paul Kemp could be considered this.
 * Hollywood Voodoo: Papa Nebo's chicken blessing.
 * It's Always Carnival on Saint Thomas
 * It Will Never Catch On: Watching the 1960 Presidential debates.


 * Origin Story: For Hunter S. Thompson
 * Puerto Rico: The setting.
 * Rape as Drama: What is implied to happen to Chenault.
 * Screw the Rules, I Have Money: Sanderson's Modus Operandi.
 * Shallow Love Interest: Chenault, full stop.
 * Shout-Out: Multiple to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas:
 * The bottle containing Moberg's drug looks to be a replica of the adrenochrome bottle.
 * The scene with Kemp monologuing while typing facing out a shuttered window is a direct lift from scene where Duke sits in the same pose and makes the famous Wave Speech from Fear and Loathing.
 * The Sixties: 1960 to be exact.
 * Spiritual Prequel: to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Or Transmetropolitan, if you prefer.
 * The Magic Cock Fighting Equation: Use El Monstro, win as much money as necessary.
 * What Happened to the Mouse?: What happened to the corrupt land deal?
 * What Now? Ending: Kemp leaves the island on a stolen boat, and doesn't seem to know even where he's going.
 * Where Da White Women At?: The bar/dance scene in St. Thomas.
 * Wretched Hive: Parts of Puerto Rico may qualify.