The story of John Wilmot, a.k.a. the Earl of Rochester, a 17th century poet who famously drank and debauched his way to an early grave, only to earn posthumous critical acclaim for his life's work.

Johnny Depp
as Rochester

Samantha Morton
as Elizabeth Barry

John Malkovich
as Charles II

Rosamund Pike
as Elizabeth Malet

Paul Ritter
as Chiffinch

Stanley Townsend
as Keown

Francesca Annis
as Countess

Tom Hollander
as Etherege

Johnny Vegas
as Sackville

Richard Coyle
as Alcock