Johnny Depp: 'In my place Marlon Brando would have killed somebody'
WATCH | Johnny Depp is teary-eyed as he receives standing ovation at Cannes for Jeanne du Barry
Never boring but unpleasant, curious years. Escapades. Rumors. Accusations, Depp said. I read far too much about Fatty Arbuckle but I didnt see any (Buster) Keaton coming my way to save my ass.
One of the things that kept going in my head was Hunter, he continued, invoking longtime mentor Hunter S. Thompson. I could hear his voice: Buy the ticket, take the ride.
I dont think Marlon would have survived, Depp said, referencing Brando. I dont think he came close to going through something like this. Had he been alive to watch this happen, he would have gone sideways. He would have killed somebody.
One thing thats been unclear was if Depp had any remorse for how the trial a bitter and often theatrical legal battle played out in front of cameras unfolded. Depp became a hero to some right-wing critics of so-called cancel culture. Asked if he had any misgivings about the supporters he attracted, Depp responded: I did notice that people actually opened their mouths about it. At that time, that was brave.
Not for a moment will I regret anything unless Ive done something horrible to someone, which I havent, Depp added. Im not going to regret being taken down a strange road for that period of time because I learned so much more about myself.
Jeanne du Barry, directed by the French filmmaker and actor Mawenn, is Depps first film in three years. Mawenn stars as Jeanne Vaubernier, a working-class woman who becomes Louis XVs mistress. Depp speaks French in the film, which doesnt yet have U.S. distribution. Mawenn, too, is a controversial figure. She recently admitted to assaulting prominent French journalist Edwy Plenel at a caf, yanking his hair back and spitting in his face.
Its not the only business Depp has in Cannes. Hes seeking financing for Modi, a biopic of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani that he hopes to shoot this fall, with Al Pacino attached. Depp, who will perform next week at a London tribute for the late Jeff Beck, a close friend, also recently renewed his contract with Dior in a $20 million deal.
I dont know the image of Johnny Depp in the U.S., Cannes director Thierry Fremaux said Monday. If Johnny Depp had been banned from acting in a film, or the film was banned, we wouldnt be here talking about it.
And theres been plenty of conversation generated by Depps appearance in Cannes, even in reviews that havent been good. Times Stephanie Zacharek called it less a comeback than a tepid lurching into a very small spotlight. But the overall reception has been warm. Depp, who said he lives 45 minutes away, was taken aback by the thrall.
I didnt know what planet I was on, he said, smiling.
Speaking to reporters in the festival press conference, Depp mocked the idea that he has many critics, likening anyone who protested his presence in Cannes to some species, some tower of mashed potatoes, covered in the light of a computer screen, anonymous, with apparently a lot of spare time.
Sitting on a terrace overlooking the Cannes Croisette later, Depp appeared relaxed and jovial, though his thoughts remained fixed on his legal battles with Heard.
Youre not powerless but youve been postponed, he said of how he felt before the trial. At that point, I just thought: F--- it. Ive been lucky. Ive been around for a long time. Ive made a lot of films. Thats, I suppose, my legacy. Alright. I can live with that. I didnt do anything wrong. But he said after years of swimming through that horrible molasses, he came out much stronger.
Depp said in the press conference that he has no further need for Hollywood. In the interview, he said he remains intent on making more films but outside the studio system. At the same time, Depp rejected that he was ever really a movie star in the first place.
Thats the last thing to call me, he said. For 20 years they never mentioned that until Pirates 1.Oh, hes a movie star now! We like him!
Many have portrayed Depps Cannes return as an attempt to win back moviegoers after a thoroughly revealing trial. Depp says hes not trying to convince anyone of anything. To him, theres no such thing as an unsullied movie star.
You mean peoples obsession that everybody must be Doris Day? Even Doris Day wasnt Doris Day. They have to know that, Depp said. And Rock Hudson certainly wasnt Rock Hudson. I can only try to offer that I feel like might be interesting or different.
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Friday, May 19, 2023 at 2:44 am