As a film enthusiast who has been fortunate enough to attend numerous festivals worldwide, I must say that San Sebastian stands out as one of the most authentic and genuine events I’ve ever attended. The warmth and hospitality of its people, coupled with an unwavering focus on cinematic artistry, make it a truly special place for filmmakers and fans alike.
Johnny Depp has had, it’s fair to say, a rocky few years in Hollywood.
Following his high-profile divorce and subsequent defamation court case with ex-wife Amber Heard, where accusations of domestic violence and abuse from both sides became public — he is making a return to films with the project titled “Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness“.
As a gamer, I’d rephrase that as: “In my world, ‘Modi’, Directed by Depp for the second time, is a journey through a few days in the life of the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. Riccardo Scamarcio steps into the shoes of Modigliani, with Antonia Desplat, Al Pacino, and Stephen Graham joining the cast. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Paris, this movie delves into the struggles of the painter and sculptor as he battles for his artistic liberty, self-worth, and class prejudice in his quest for recognition.
At a press conference on Tuesday, I shared that it was Al Pacino who encouraged me – or rather, inspired me as a director – to embrace this project. When Pacino speaks, you simply can’t ignore his advice. That’s what I told the room full of reporters at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
The film is making its global debut along the Spanish coast, with Depp and his team presenting a united front. “Let’s celebrate Johnny and this movie,” Scamarcio says to The Hollywood Reporter. His fellow actor, Antonia Desplat, chimes in: “It’s time for everyone to move forward.
At the press conference, Depp compared his tumultuous life to that of Modigliani. He stated, “I’ve been through quite a bit, here and there, you might say. Perhaps your experiences haven’t turned into a dramatic TV series like mine did, due to the trial.” In essence, he was referring to the fact that his personal struggles were widely publicized in the media.
As a fervent admirer, I’d like to express that the people he works with can only offer praise – and they barely scratch the surface. They refer to him as a man overflowing with love, a paternal figure, who carries both heart and trust. In the following excerpts, Scamarcio and Desplat candidly discuss their experiences on a Depp set, while Bruno Gouery, Luisa Ranieri, and Ryan McParland also lend their thoughts. “He’s the kindest, most considerate, sweetest individual I’ve ever collaborated with,” Scamarcio shares. “I believe the entertainment industry needs to exercise caution.
“I want to express my congratulations for the movie and your presence at San Sebastian. May I begin by inquiring about what initially attracted you to this production?
ANTONIA DESPLAT I received the script for the role of Beatrice Hastings, Modigliani’s partner for two years, and it was refreshing to read a script that seemed so raw and unfiltered in such a long time. The character felt captivating, and as I was well-versed in Modigliani due to growing up in Montparnasse and my close ties with that world, the opportunity was particularly intriguing. With Johnny Depp directing and Mr. Scamarcio leading the cast, the project felt exceptionally promising. So, eager to show my enthusiasm, I submitted an audition tape. After two weeks, I had a Zoom call with Johnny, followed by a screen test, and eventually another Zoom session where he informed me that I had landed the role. It was a significant milestone for me.
Ryan McParland found it truly remarkable to participate in a role that was significantly different from his upbringing in Ireland, as he believed it would stretch him creatively. Moreover, the prospect of collaborating with Johnny Depp and sharing screen time with Al Pacino, two actors I admired as a child, added to the allure of the project.
Working under the guidance of Johnny Depp, along with this outstanding ensemble, presented an incredible chance. To embody Maurice Utrillo, a renowned French artist deeply admired in Paris, was a profoundly meaningful experience for me, as I hold a deep affection for artwork and paintings.
Luisa Ranieri expressed that it was a significant honor for Johnny and Al Pacino to be part of this wildly exciting film alongside such esteemed actors, even though they don’t share a scene together. Similarly, Riccardo and she have been acquainted for quite some time, but this is their first opportunity to collaborate on a project.
RICCARDO SCAMARCIO It was quite an unusual situation: I was on a Zoom call with Johnny while driving on the highway, so I had to pull over. It was around 9 or 10 at night, and my first encounter with Johnny was at a gas station. During our conversation, Johnny noticed something odd behind me, like car oil… He asked, “Where are you?”, to which I replied, “I’m at the gas station, I’m sorry Johnny, but I was driving with my daughter, it wasn’t easy…” Someone else was present, possibly Stephen [Graham] or a producer, and they exclaimed, “That’s our man.” [Laughs.] So that’s how we met, and later, in London. For me, Modigliani is significant because my mother, who is a painter, instilled in me a deep interest in this artist from a young age. I had a large book on Modigliani, which I still have, though some pages are torn. My mother told me that I was fascinated by this book when I was very young. I knew I had to be involved in this remarkable project.
That’s almost like fate, you having that book.
SCAMARCIO That’s exactly what it was. It’s quite peculiar. And I’ve always dreamt of owning a Modigliani someday. However, that’s never going to happen due to the recent sale five months ago for an astonishing $170 million.
Here’s one way to rephrase the given text:
So it’s safe to say working with Johnny Depp was a huge pull for you all on this?
SCAMARCIO It is very, very safe to say.
DESPLAT He’s the best actor of our century.
SCARMARCIO Trust and empathy are crucial for an actor, in my opinion. They need to have faith in the director, and Depp provides that beautifully. It’s a unique dynamic because he allows you the freedom to express yourself fully, yet guides you with sharp and precise directions. It’s marvelous, as it gives a sense of liberty alongside security.
Apart from Johnny, one might say he embodies the essence of an artist in its entirety. He’s a painter, a musician, an actor, and a director. As [Scamarcio] mentioned, he possesses a compassionate heart, which infuses his work with depth and prevents him from being confined within boundaries. He resists conformity, choosing instead to express himself freely. Directing someone who doesn’t care about others’ opinions, but focuses solely on the art and passion for it, is truly captivating.
Was it peculiar reconciling Johnny Depp the actor with Johnny Depp the director?
During our initial Zoom call, I found myself gushing with admiration for him, much like a fan would, for a full ten minutes. To me, he seemed more like a nurturing father figure, ready to guide us gently and cautiously through our journey. However, it seems as though every character Johnny has embodied holds a piece of him. He frequently mimics characters and individuals, which makes it apparent that the various roles he’s played over time are still very much alive within him. This is evident in his direction and demonstrations, as well as when he passionately talks about the subject matter, blurring the lines between director and actor for me.
Are there any interesting stories or moments from the filming that could offer viewers a glimpse into Johnny Depp’s directing style?
DESPLAT chuckles, “That particular moment at the cemetery perfectly illustrates his laissez-faire approach towards life.
SCAMARCIO In the heat of a fast-paced scene during filming, where [Antonia] lost her footing unexpectedly, she wasn’t supposed to fall. Instead of halting the action, I quickly asked if she was alright and we continued shooting. Johnny, our director, thought it was terrific.
DESPLAT He calls it “movie magic.”
SCAMARCIO That’s what he’s looking for: accidents.
In addition, our entire team was there, and Johnny was asking in a hushed tone, “Is she alright? Is she alright? Is she alright? Can we continue?” We didn’t catch that at the time, but we learned about it later on. Then he emerged and exclaimed, “This is movie magic!”
It’s rare for me to collaborate with directors who allow me to express my creative whims and instill such self-assurance in me.
In a highly cooperative environment, he strongly motivated us to experiment boldly with our tasks and presentations.
Many individuals might perceive this event as Johnny’s comeback to Hollywood following a period of turmoil over the past few years. What are your thoughts on whether he should be given another opportunity?
DESPLAT Yeah. People need to move on.
As a dedicated gamer and movie enthusiast, I can’t help but feel strongly about this situation. Hollywood needs Johnny Depp – an extraordinary artist that brings a unique charm to cinema. His absence would be significantly felt in the industry. Now, I understand it’s a contentious issue, but when you consider the emotional turmoil that comes with such public scrutiny, it’s hard not to empathize.
DESPLAT And he’s a human being.
SCARAMCIO: Indeed, we value humanity deeply, and Johnny’s story, much like Modigliani’s, serves as a reminder of this. Both were artists who struggled financially and suffered greatly, yet their work lives on. Modigliani was even assaulted by police just before his death. This recent sale of one of his paintings for $170 million underscores the importance of cherishing such talent. We must take heed from these events and exercise caution. I’ve also made a film about Caravaggio, an artist who faced censorship from the church centuries ago. So, this modern concept of ‘cancel culture’ has deep roots in history.
DESPLAT Exactly.
Regarding Johnny, whatever he chooses for his future endeavors, that’s entirely his decision. My observations are based on my professional interactions with him and getting to know him personally. He is remarkably kind, genuinely down-to-earth, and incredibly humble. He was always concerned about us, ensuring our safety and wellbeing. His focus was solely on the work at hand; there were no distractions. The opportunity to improvise, explore, and experiment within this environment could very well be one of the most rewarding acting experiences I’ve ever had.
Riccardo and Antonia, did you know each other prior to working on the Modi project? Since your collaboration seems so genuine and your interactions so harmonious.
It’s pleasing to know that you trust our on-screen relationship, as we only recently met in Budapest prior to filming.
I believe our ideas complement each other quite nicely. Additionally, Johnny has done an excellent job in establishing a cooperative and secure environment for us to work in.
SCAMARCIO And she speaks a perfect Italian.
As a gamer, I found myself deeply immersed in a creative collaboration. Johnny graciously invited us to work alongside him, redefining scenes to resonate genuinely with our characters. We shared insights from our research, and the process felt organic, authentic, and enjoyable. It was more than just working; it was a fun-filled partnership.
This movie explores themes such as art, self-respect, and elitism. Beyond these aspects, what other elements is it celebrating, and what broader message does it convey regarding Prime Minister Modi?
SCAMARCIO To me, what stands out most is the movie’s emphasis on the significance of being both an artist and a man. I might put it another way: For any artist, there exists a priceless aspect – your inner self, your spirit. Creating is crucial, but if you commodify that part of you… you’ll be tainted irreversibly. So, while wealth and power may abound, the essence of our profession remains unchanged.
From my perspective, this movie serves as a reminder of the liberty those characters embodied, given the constant censorship in our contemporary artistic world. Art is intended to challenge and inspire, yet when we begin to regulate it, we risk losing its essence – its very freedom. This film, being non-biographical, offers us a glimpse into three days of an artist’s life, allowing us to appreciate their uninhibited spirit. Each character was a revolutionary and an artist striving for recognition, which I believe resonates with many today. However, it’s the suppression of artistic freedom that undermines its existence.
As a gamer, I truly appreciate the joy of crafting my own worlds and characters. It’s mind-boggling to consider that artists back then didn’t profit from their creations! They kept on creating regardless, which seems odd. If I were an actor and couldn’t find roles, I’d probably switch careers too.
MCPARLAND Yeah, perseverance.
Did Johnny happen to be the sole famous actor you collaborated with during the production of this movie? If not, did you also have the pleasure of working with Al Pacino? I’d love to hear more about your experience with him.
DESPLAT Can I just say how great the scene is?
As a gamer diving into the world of movie-making, I found myself in Los Angeles, ready to shoot a crucial scene. However, Johnny had other ideas and decided to rewrite the entire scene. This left us with just one day to work on it since he spent the first day tweaking the script.
This individual is truly one of the nicest persons I’ve ever encountered, devoid of any pretentiousness whatsoever. Occasionally, when we encounter our role models, there may be instances of disillusionment. However, he was incredibly kind. All he desired was a scoop of ice cream.
LEELet me be honest, witnessing that moment with Pacino exceeded my expectations.
Are you excited to be here in San Sebastian for the festival?
SCAMARCIO [Claps hands excitedly.]
It’s truly delightful, incredibly captivating to be in this place. Arrival was a breathtaking experience. Seemed like everyone wanted to greet me warmly.
This festival seems incredibly genuine. It has a sense of being centered around the films themselves, rather than getting overwhelmed by the glamour that often accompanies other festivals. Here, you truly get to savor the craft of filmmaking. Consequently, it’s absolutely thrilling!
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2024-09-24 23:25