Hollywood icon Johnny Depp, who recently returned to directing with Modi − Three Days on the Wing of Madness, is reflecting on both his tumultuous personal life and his passion for filmmaking. During a press conference at the San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain, the actor opened up about his experiences following his highly publicized legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard.
Looking Back at the Courtroom Drama
In a rare reference to his much-discussed courtroom feud, Depp described the defamation trial as a “soap opera,” admitting that his life became a media spectacle. “I think we’ve all been through a number of things,” Depp remarked, comparing his experiences to those of others, “Maybe yours didn’t turn into a soap opera, televised in fact, but we all experience and go through what we go through.”
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Despite the drama that unfolded over the years, Depp seemed reflective, acknowledging that his life, much like those of the characters he plays, had its share of struggles and triumphs. “Those experiences are our stripes; they stay with us forever,” he added.
Depp’s Return to Filmmaking
Modi, Depp’s first directorial effort since 1997’s The Brave, revolves around the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, focusing on a 72-hour period during World War I. The film stars Riccardo Scamarcio as Modigliani, alongside a notable cast that includes Al Pacino and Stephen Graham. Depp shared that this project gave him the opportunity to reconnect with the joy of filmmaking: “This time around, it allowed me to really see and experience that sort of… to basically be a giant toddler, as I am, and to understand that when you’re making a film at the very least, it’s gotta be fun.”
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He also reflected on how this experience differed from his first time as a director, describing Modi as “infinitely more positive” than his work on The Brave. Depp’s sense of enthusiasm was palpable, and he praised the cast and crew for helping bring the vision of Modigliani’s life to the screen.