Critically acclaimed actor and director Johnny Depp is set to receive a career accolade at the Rome Film Festival in October, where his upcoming biopic Modi — Three Days on the Wings of Madness will be screened following its premiere at San Sebastián. The film represents Depp’s first directorial foray since 1997, and also marks a significant milestone in the actor-director’s comeback career after a very public libel trial in 2022 due to domestic abuse allegations from Depp’s ex-wife, actress Amber Heard.
According to Deadline, Depp will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement award at the October festival in recognition of his longtime contributions to the entertainment industry. The ceremony will also include a screening of Depp’s newest feature, Modi — Three Days on the Wings of Madness, which follows the legendary painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani through 72 hours of his life in the war-torn streets of 1916 Paris.
The film features an all-star cast, including Italian actor Riccardio Scamarcio as Modigliani, Al Pacino as international art collector Maurice Gangnat, and Antonia Desplat as a fellow artist, and is expected to be released for public distribution sometime after the festival.
Modi — Three Days on the Wings of Madness is only Depp’s second directorial project, and his first to earn such a positive reception. His initial attempt, The Brave, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1997, but failed to impress critics or audiences. This dismal response is likely what dissuaded Depp from trying his hand at directing again for so many years — but after Depp’s highly controversial court battle two years ago, the actor seems to make a fresh start by expanding his horizons.
The Career — and Controversy — of a Lifetime
Not everyone seems to agree with Depp’s reception of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Although a beloved actor for numerous generations, from his early days in 21 Jump Street to his family-friendly franchise appearances in Pirates of the Caribbean, Depp recently came under fire as a result of his legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard.
Heard had previously accused Depp of domestic abuse and assault, earning a two million dollar settlement as a result, to which Depp responded with allegations of libel and defamation. The ensuing trial was both public and messy, and although Depp eventually emerged as the victor, many still feel that Depp was unfairly absolved.
During the Depp-Heard trial, many supporters of Depp believed that Heard’s abuse allegations would ruin his career — a common talking point in situations of alleged inappropriate behavior against famous, typically male celebrities. However, Depp’s upcoming appearance at the Rome Film Festival, his Lifetime Achievement Award, and the success of his second directorial debut all point to a career that is far from ruined.
