In an interview included on the DVD version of Blow Jung talks about seeing himself warts and all on the screen. He thanked Johnny for not glamorising the life, and for having the integrity to not judge while depicting him, but just playing it straight. The audience are left to make their own decision based on Johnny’s abilities as an actor.
Someone once said of Gene Hackman that no matter what kind of creep he was playing in a movie he would always find a way to love his character. This ability allows him to offer the most honest of portrayals possible. Johnny takes this trait and adds the caveat of “there but for the grace of God go I”. With the possible exception of Edward (and even there maybe) his characters all suggest the potential that exists for any of us to have turned out the same given the circumstances.
When we saw Pirates of the Caribbean in the theatre two summers ago and Johnny Depp made his first appearance on screen my wife’s voice could be heard ringing out across the audience: “Holy F...!” The titters of laughter that echoed in response was more than enough to signify that he still maintains the ability to turn heads with his looks and magnetism.
But unlike others he resisted the temptation of the easy route of becoming a “star”. Ironically it was this very refusal that has led to him becoming one of today’s more celebrated actors. As his depiction of J. M. Barrie in Finding Neverland proves, he does not need the outlandish to create a unique individual. Even more unusual is his ability to made the outlandish into an universal that all will find familiar.
Edit:LM
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.