If Johnny Dep gradually making his way back onto the movie scene, fans everywhere are anxious to see where the beloved actor will take his talents next, with still no word on a possible return to his most iconic role as swashbuckling pirate Captain Jack Sparrow. While he has no plans to return to the Caribbean just yet, he will actually be behind the camera on his next venture. By an exclusive report from DeadlineDepp is going to direct a biopic titled modeswith a robust cast to date including Al Pacino, Italian superstar Riccardo Scamarcio and Pierre Niney.
modes, which will be shot in Budapest this fall, will be a captivating biopic about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. It will be Johnny Depp’s first directorial work in nearly 25 years, his last feature film in the big chair The brave (1997). Given that most of his career has been in front of the camera, that alone will prove to be a serious talking point as the Cannes project is bought by The Veterans. The film is based on a play by Dennis McIntyre and subsequently made into a film by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski. Barry Navidi will serve as producer. Starring so far is Italian heavyweight Riccardo Scamarcio (John Wick: Chapter 2), French actor Pierre Niney (Yves Saint-Laurent), and the legendary Al Pacino (The Irishman). This project will be a reunion for Pacino and Navidi, who previously worked together on three films, including The trader from Venice (2004). Pacino also starred in classic crime film alongside Depp and Marlon Brando Donnie Brasco (1997).
Modi follows a famous artist who gets caught up in a conflict in Paris
For just 48 hours, the biopic’s premise will revolve around Italian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani (Scamarcio), who is actively on the run from the police through the war-torn streets and bars of Paris. Along the way, he meets fellow bohemians, all of whom dismiss his ardent desire to abruptly end his career. Among them are the French artist Maurice Utrillo (Niney), the Belarusian Chaim Soutine and his English muse and lover Beatrice Hastings. Confused, Modi seeks advice from his friend Leopold Zborowski, a Polish art dealer. But before he can make a final decision amidst the chaos, a collector (Pacino) comes along who could change his life dramatically.
Producer Navidi commented on his expectations when working with Depp and the A-List lineup:
“This is a snapshot of Modigliani’s life that gives us an insight into his struggles as an artist suffering from a lack of recognition, and a project that Al and I have pursued for many years…Our incredible cast, coupled with the vision, humor and sensitivity I know Johnny will get behind the camera, make this a dream come true.
Depp will also be seen in another Cannes historical film called Joan of Barrywhich will premiere during the festival on 16 May. The film, in which he plays the polarizing French King Louis XV, will be the actor’s first in three years.