Johnny Depp‘s second directorial feature, Modi — Three Days on the Wings of Madness, will premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival this September. Based on the play Modigliani by Dennis McIntyre, the film recounts Italian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani’s time in Paris. Notably, the film plays a significant role in Depp’s ongoing career comeback following domestic violence allegations from ex-wife Amber Heard and a very public libel trial.
According to the film’s synopsis, Modi follows “a 72 hour whirlwind through the streets of WWI Paris” where “Italian bohemian artist Modigliani (Riccardo Scamarcio) attempts to out maneuver bombs, policemen, girlfriends and critics in a increasingly desperate search of a home for his art.” Along with Scamarcio, the film also stars Stephen Graham, Antonia Desplat, and Al Pacino. In a previous statement, Depp spoke of Pacino’s role in bringing the movie to life:
“I would like to express my profound gratitude to the entire cast, crew, and producers for their unwavering commitment and creativity,” he continued. “To Al, who requested that I make this film — how could I refuse Pacino? A sincere acknowledgement for generously contributing his talent and dedication to this project. ‘Modi’ is a testament to the collaborative spirit of independent filmmaking, and I am excited to present this unique and compelling story to the world.”
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Depp’s first directorial effort, 1997’s The Brave, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Along with directing and co-writing the movie, Depp starred in the neo-western alongside Marlon Brando. Despite its impressive starring duo, the film failed to dazzle critics, and its poor reception dissuaded Depp from giving the film a formal theatrical or home media release.
Johnny Depp’s is Quietly Rebuilding his Career
Given Depp’s devoted fan base, it’s hard to say that the Pirates of the Caribbean actor was ever fully canceled, but his career certainly took a hefty dip after domestic abuse allegations surfaced in 2018. Heard and Depp’s highly-publicized 2022 court battle (where he sued her for defamation after she recounted incidents of domestic abuse), concluded with a jury finding that Depp had proven that Heard defamed him and that claims made in a 2018 The Washington Post op-ed were false. Depp triumphed in the courtroom (being awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages) and the court of public opinion, which led to the belief his comeback was imminent – and it’s progressing.
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In 2023, Depp made a solid acting return in Maïwenn’s Jeanne du Barry as Louis XV. The period drama follows Jeanne Bécu (portrayed by director Maïwenn), who rose through the Court of Louis XV, becoming his last official mistress. Earlier this year, Depp also voiced the titular character in the animated Johnny Puff: Secret Mission. In front of the camera, Depp is next set to star in the star-studded comedy fantasy The Carnival at the End of Days alongside Jason Momoa, Adam Driver, and Jeff Bridges – by far his biggest movie of the last several years.
The San Sebastian Film Festival takes place from September 20 to 28, Depp’s Modi will screen at the Festival out of competition.
In 2021, Depp was presented with the Donostia Award for lifetime achievement at the San Sebastian Festival.
