JEDDAH: After making “The Brave” in 1997, Hollywood star Johnny Depp is stepping behind the camera once again as a director for “Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness.”
The movie is about Italian bohemian artist Amedeo Modigliani on 72-hour whirlwind through the streets of Paris during the First World War.
In an engaging roundtable conversation held recently at Sharbatly Cultural House, ahead of the gala screening of his movie at the Red Sea International Film Festival, Depp said: “‘The Brave’ was an unhappy experience.
Depp’s leading actor, Scamarcio, was full of praise for his direction, which he described as free-flowing and respectful. (Supplied)
“But for this film, I have more freedom and I was able to feel free like a giant toddler. Actually, I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity, along with such a great cast and crew.”
Appearing in his signature style, a mix of vintage clothing, layered outfits and accessories, Depp told the journalists in the room that he was first approached about the project by actor Al Pacino.
He recalled Pacino saying: “‘Hey Johnny, do you remember that Modigliani project I was going to do? Why don’t you direct it?’ I never thought that I would ever direct again after 27 years. So, how could I refuse Pacino? For some reason, I said, ‘Why not?’”
When you are in AlUla or around the historical area here in Jeddah, that’s the stuff I want to film. I am really fascinated with Saudi Arabia’s culture and history.
Johnny Depp, ‘Modi’ director
“Definitely, it is a positive experience (making ‘Modi’),” he added.
The movie, which is supported through the Red Sea International Film Financing program, is based on a play by Dennis McIntyre and tells the story of the famous painter and sculptor Modigliani during his time in Paris in 1916.
The cast is led by actors Pacino, Riccardo Scamarcio, Stephen Graham, Antonia Desplat, Bruno Gouery, Ryan McParland and Luisa Ranieri.
Depp’s leading actor, Scamarcio, was full of praise for his direction, which he described as free-flowing and respectful. “It was so great working with Depp and (he) made us act in comfort with no limitations or restrictions,” said Scamarcio.
Asked by Arab News about what attracted him to Modigliani’s story, Depp said: “Modigliani was, of course, one of the great contemporary artists of all time. But he also represented an era and point of view where new possibilities still existed. His vision fascinates me.”
“I admit that everything Modigliani ever stood for, and continues to stand for, resonates deeply within me,” said Depp.
Speaking about his partnership with the Red Sea International Festival, Depp explained: “They have been very supportive and they have the ability to do films and allow the process to be as organic as you can imagine. They really gave me the freedom to do whatever I want,” he said.
He revealed that he has plans to paint with Saudi Arabia’s visual artist Ahmed Mater. “I really admire his work and last time we met in London, and also at his studio in Jeddah, we agreed to do some paintings together.”
He continued: “Listen, I am not a stranger to Saudi Arabia and I really enjoy a great relationship with Saudis. For future plans, I am hoping to capture in my upcoming films the beautiful landscape it has.
“When you are in AlUla or around the historical area here in Jeddah, that’s the stuff I want to film. I am really fascinated with Saudi Arabia’s culture and history.
“In addition, I really admire the warmth of Saudis who I consider a very kind and respectable people.”
