Johnny Depp reflects on his life as a ‘televised soap opera’ amid divorce with Amber Heard: “But I’m alright”

Johnny Depp discusses his latest directorial project Modi and parallels with his tumultuous life, touching on his legal battles and artistic journey.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

September 27, 2024 - 12:01 PM IST

Johnny Depp returned to the director’s chair for the first time in nearly three decades with his latest film, Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness. The film, which explores the chaotic life of artist Amedeo Modigliani in World War I-era Paris, was screened at the San Sebastian Film Festival. Depp spoke candidly about his journey, both as a director and in his personal life, during a press conference at the event. He reflected on how the film marked a significant departure from his last directorial effort, The Brave (1997), which was met with widespread criticism.

Johnny Depp reflects on his life as a ‘televised soap opera’ amid divorce with Amber Heard: “But I’m alright”

Comparing life with art: Johnny Depp and Modigliani
When asked to compare his life to that of the film's protagonist, Amedeo Modigliani, Depp found striking similarities. Modigliani's desperate quest for recognition as an artist during turbulent times resonated with Depp’s own struggles, particularly in recent years. "Sure, we can say that I've been through a number of things here and there, but I'm alright," he remarked, alluding to the challenges he has faced both in his career and personal life. The actor-director likened the art world's hurdles to his own journey in navigating legal and media scrutiny.

Depp on his divorce and public scrutiny
Depp did not shy away from addressing the recent turbulence in his personal life, particularly his highly publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. While not explicitly naming her, Depp alluded to the experience, saying, "Maybe yours didn’t turn into a soap opera, televised in fact, but we all experience and go through what we go through." Referring to his life as a "televised soap opera" speaks to the global attention surrounding his messy divorce and defamation trial. Despite the ordeal, Depp assured the audience, "But I'm alright," emphasizing his resilience.

Modi’s 72-hour frenzy and artistic struggles
Modi tells the story of artist Amedeo Modigliani (played by Riccardo Scamarcio) as he faces a whirlwind of events over 72 hours in Paris during World War I. The film captures his desperate attempts to make a name for himself in the vibrant but chaotic art scene of 1916. Modi’s confrontations with the police, romantic entanglements, and constant struggles to find a home for his art mirror the struggles that many artists, including Depp, have faced. With the help of his friend and art dealer Leopold Zborowski (Stephen Graham), Modi risks everything to meet American collector Maurice Gangnat (Al Pacino), a figure who could make or break his career.

A positive directorial experience for Depp
Speaking about the process of directing Modi, Depp expressed that it was a far more positive experience than his previous foray into filmmaking with The Brave. "It was infinitely more positive," Depp shared. The Brave was released in 1997 but was met with harsh criticism from both audiences and critics.

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