'Diary' starts filming in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 2 (UPI) -- Principal photography has begun in Puerto Rico on the big-screen adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's first novel "The Rum Diary," GK Films said Thursday.

Writer-director Bruce Robinson started shooting the film March 25.

The 1950s-era movie about a journalist who leaves New York to work for a newspaper in San Juan stars Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Amber Heard, Michael Rispoli, Richard Jenkins and Giovanni Ribisi.

"The Rum Diary" represents the debut film of Infinitum Nihil, the production company headed by Depp and his sister Christi Dembrowski.

The film is also produced and fully financed by Graham King and his production company GK Films.

Anthony Rhulen and Robert Kravis are also attached to produce. The movie will be shot entirely in Puerto Rico.

Depp befriended Thompson before the eccentric gonzo journalist committed suicide in 2005. The actor portrayed Thompson in the film adaptation of Thompson's book, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."