Bruce Robinson’s much-anticipated film The Rum Diary, based on the novel by Hunter S. Thompson and starring Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Amber Heard, and Giovanni Ribisi, received a test screening in Huntington Beach, California. Zone member Dharma_bum was one of the lucky ones who got to see the film, which “was described as ‘a work in progress,’ although titles and soundtrack were in place,” she reports. Her verdict? A resounding “Bravo!” Here are a few of her impressions:

“The Rum Diary is a achingly lovely elegy to Hunter. Both funnier and more poignant than it has a right to be. Less about any of the silly things you read about the synopsis—drink and drugs and lust—and more about the measure of a man… shedding distractions, finding your voice, taking a stand and fighting the good fight [. . .]. This is one brave film. It shies not one bit from showing the ugly underbelly of the American Dream. Yet, in equal measure it’s immensely hopeful [. . .] It matures Hunter’s themes in all right ways. Johnny gives an absolutely transformative performance.”

Many thanks to Dharma_bum for sharing her reflections with us. You can read more about the test screening of The Rum Diary on the Zone’s forums HERE.