October 27, 2024: Johnny Depp recently made a splash at the Rome Film Festival, where he showcased his new directorial project, Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness. Despite a delayed flight that led him to miss the festival’s press conference, Depp successfully presented his film and accepted an award before departing the next morning.
Following a tumultuous history in Hollywood, including a highly publicized legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp seems to be experiencing a significant career resurgence, particularly in Europe. His comeback began at last year’s Cannes Film Festival with his role in Jeanne du Barry, directed by Maiwenn.
Modi, which premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival last month, delves into the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani during a chaotic three-day period in war-torn Paris in 1916. In a candid interview, Depp shared that the idea for Modi was initially suggested to him by Al Pacino back in 1997, when Pacino planned to direct the film. “Al was going to direct it at the time… then it sort of disappeared,” Depp recalled.
More than two decades later, the project has finally come to fruition. Reflecting on his directorial journey, Depp mentioned his first experience with The Brave, which faced harsh criticism. “It made me understand… you learn from that,” he said.
When asked if he sees himself in Modigliani, who led a life filled with excess and emotional struggles, Depp humorously responded, “He is the exact opposite of me. I adore rejection.” However, he acknowledged a shared sense of perseverance and authenticity, stating, “I do understand him in the sense that he stuck to his guns with his particular style.”
Depp likened his recent industry experiences to navigating a “vast wilderness,” emphasizing the personal growth that comes from adversity. “That vast wilderness taught me a whole lot,” he remarked. Reflecting on his life’s ups and downs, he described it as a “soap opera,” adding, “I learned, man. Everything that we experience… you learn something somewhere along the way. So I don’t have any ill feelings toward anyone.”
Regarding his relationship with Hollywood, Depp expressed a sense of liberation, saying, “I had a few bouts with Hollywood… I had to get in there and whip it around a little bit.” He acknowledged the challenges he faced but highlighted his commitment to authenticity in his roles: “It’s good to be able to inhabit a character… some of that stuff can be used as available stimulus,” he concluded.
