25 september 2024 : Johnny Depp’s latest directorial project, Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, was recently showcased at the San Sebastian Film Festival. During a press conference, Depp reflected on the nearly thirty years since his last feature film, 1997’s poorly received The Brave, as reported by Variety.
The film portrays a chaotic 72 hours in World War I-era Paris, following protagonist Amedeo Modigliani as he navigates “bombs, policemen, girlfriends, and critics in an increasingly desperate search for a home for his art.”
When asked about parallels between his life and that of Modigliani, Depp acknowledged the challenges they both faced. “Sure, we can say that I’ve been through a number of things here and there, but I’m alright,” he stated. He appeared to reference his recent legal struggles with ex-wife Amber Heard, noting, “I think we’ve all been through a number of things, ultimately… Maybe yours didn’t turn into a soap opera, televised in fact, but we all experience and go through what we go through.”
The film unfolds over 72 hectic hours in the life of artist Amedeo Modigliani (played by Riccardo Scamarcio) as he maneuvers through a war-torn Paris and the vibrant art scene of 1916. After a run-in with the police at an upscale restaurant, Modi contemplates the potential end of his career in the City of Light. With guidance from his art dealer and friend, Leopold Zborowski (Stephen Graham), Modi risks everything for a meeting with American collector Maurice Gangnat (Al Pacino), who could elevate him from a struggling artist to a global sensation.
Regarding his experience as a director, Depp remarked that this recent endeavor was “infinitely more positive” than his previous one, The Brave, which was met with harsh criticism upon its release over twenty-five years ago.
