But in 1990 he took the step that would set him irrevocably down a path from which there would be no return. He took a roll in the John Waters movie Cry Baby satirizing the very pretty boy-tough guy image that the studios had made for him. Once you play opposite Divine there’s no going back. There would be no more Tiger Beat covers for Johnny.
After a couple of roles in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise he was again in the spotlight for his first teaming with Tim Burton in Edward Scissorhands. His depiction of the strange puppet creation of Vincent Price marked the beginning of what has become the distinguishing mark of his career: the ability to make the outlandish outsider sympathetic and acceptable in our eyes.
No matter the character, no matter the situation, there is never the slightest hint of him stepping out of the role to share a wink with the audience at the expense of his creation. There is a feeling that Mr. Depp would, if the opportunity presented itself, upon meeting these people on the street, treat them with the utmost respect and deference. This turns what could have been a caricature into a human being.
If verification of this is wanted one only need look to the time he portrayed a real person in Blow. Our stereotyped vision of what a big time cocaine dealer is supposed to be like is dealt a severe blow in Johnny’s powerful portrayal of George Jung. He takes us behind the facade of wealth and parties, pretty women and luxuries that the script depicts.
In the hands of a lesser actor this could have been just a tamer version of Scarface. Drug lord starts out, drug lord makes big, drug lord falls. Instead we see the human being behind the shades. As the realization sets in that his marriage is as loveless as his parent’s was, and all the money and power won’t change that, we see something wither in his eyes.
Article comments
1 - Lisa McKay
This is a very interesting and insightful look at Depp's career, gypsyman. I, too, have long admired his refusal to play the Hollywood game in favor of choosing interesting and offbeat roles. He certainly could have cashed in on his looks, but I do appreciate the path he's taken instead.
2 - Chris Beaumont
One of the most underrated actors of this generation. He can make a bad film enjoyable (The Ninth Gate)
3 - dietdoc
gypseyman, great work. I respect Mr. Depp's talent as an actor greatly. You do him justice. I will not ruin this excellent bit of writing by discussing other aspects of Mr. Depp's life and philosophy that give me pause in more completely appreciating his screen work. I am, suffice it to say, not a "fan" of Mr. Depp, but I certainly do appreciate his skills as you have described them.
Cheers,
Ron
4 - Marie
This is a great piece of work, I have been a big fan of Johnnys for a long time, it,s really good to see some one else appreciate him, and his work.
5 - DrPat
Depp also has the ability to take a supporting role (as he did in Chocolat) and embue it with all the power he brings to a star turn, without "stealing" the show. Like dietdoc, I may not agree with Depp anywhere else, but onscreen, he deserves the utmost respect.
6 - Brittany
I love Johnny Depp he is the sexiest man alive.
7 - Mitzi
Johnny Depp is one of the finest actors ever to hit the silver screen. He does his characters the way he knows they should be done and he does not compromise or sell out. He has everything it tales to be a star but doesn't care about that-only the work. I celebrate him as a fine actor and a wonderful person.
8 - Tan The Man
I liked him better when no one really knew who he was. Damn that Pirates!
9 - Deppaholic
Johnny is such a great actor, that he doesn't even have to say much to convey everything about his character. In "Edward Scissorhands," for example, he spoke ONLY 169 words, in total. What other actor could pull that off!?!
And didn't he just STEAL the show in "Once Upon a Time in Mexico." I was far more interested in what Agent Sands was up to, then El Mariachi's agenda.
And who else but Mr. Depp could make a fey pirate and an eccentric choclatier so incredibly hot and memorable?????
Johnny Rules!!!!!!!
10 - QueenGonzo
Yes, Johnny Depp is unbelievably talented.
11 - Mark the Sane and Sensible
Johnny Depp is an annoying Hollyweird pseudo-activist who lives in his palatial digs in France and bashes the US at every opportunity, never getting his hair mussed and pretty face dinged in the process. His comments prove that actors should shut up and continue doing what they do best, play make believe, because they have NO grip on reality.
12 - IgnatiusReilly
"His comments prove that actors should shut up and continue doing what they do best, play make believe, because they have NO grip on reality."
You mean like Ronald Reagan and Charlton Heston? Or is it only actors you disagree with?
13 - alienboy
Mark the "Sane" and "Sensible", posts like yours simply ruin a nice convo.
Please keep your personal hatred to yourself and try to remain on subject. This is an appreciation of somebody's work not a political piece...
14 - Sick of Him
Johnny Depp is overrated.
15 - scott alan
what about benny & june, I know a lady that lives In a house that parts of the movie was filmed in. Everytime I see the house I think of his unforgettable genious.