Johnny Depp is making headlines again as his latest directorial project, ‘Modi’, is scheduled to premiere at the Venice Film Festival this September. The film marks Depp’s return to directing after 25 years, his last effort being the critically panned ‘The Brave’ in 1997. ‘Modi’ delves into the life of renowned Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, capturing two tumultuous days in Paris during 1916.
The film features an impressive cast, including Riccardo Scamarcio from ‘John Wick Chapter 2’ and Pierre Niney, known for his role in ‘Yves Saint Laurent’. Al Pacino, who last appeared in ‘House of Gucci’ in 2021, will also star in the movie.
Adapted from a play by Dennis McIntyre, ‘Modi’ explores a dramatic period in Modigliani’s life, focusing on his evasion of police across the war-ravaged bars and streets of Paris. Despite Depp’s controversial status in Hollywood following domestic violence accusations by his former wife Amber Heard, he continues to work predominantly in Europe. The biopic was financed with Italian funding and follows Depp’s recent role in Maiwenn’s ‘Jeanne du Barry’, which premiered at Cannes amid mixed reactions.
While Depp’s previous directorial attempt did not see a U.S. release due to negative feedback, it remains to be seen how ‘Modi’ will be received. Nevertheless, Depp appears to remain undeterred by the past and is still supported by notable figures in the industry such as Tim Burton, Helena Bonham Carter, Al Pacino, and Terry Gilliam.
The Venice Film Festival is known for showcasing films that stir debate, having previously featured works by controversial directors like Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, and Luc Besson. It continues this tradition by providing a platform for Depp’s latest film, demonstrating the festival’s openness to diverse cinematic voices, regardless of the broader industry’s stance.
Related topics：
