After navigating a turbulent legal battle and intense media scrutiny stemming from his divorce from ex-wife Amber Heard, Johnny Depp is ready to embrace a new chapter in his life. The acclaimed actor has returned to the director’s chair with his latest feature, Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, which delves into the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani during a pivotal period in 1916 Paris.
In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Depp reflected on the challenging moments that defined his recent years. He acknowledged the overwhelming negativity he faced during his public disputes, saying, “Honestly, I can sit here this very second and think about all the hit pieces, and how everybody was against me. Some of it was not the most beautiful time, some of it was hilarious. Some of it was mad.”
Despite these trials, Depp expressed a remarkable sense of resilience. “The thing is, it simply just was, and it just is,” he stated, emphasising his focus on personal growth. He added, “I don’t have any ill feelings toward anyone. I don’t have this great reserve of hatred, because hatred requires caring. Why carry that baggage?”
Depp’s new film, which premiered at the Rome Film Festival, showcases three tumultuous days in the life of Modigliani, a visionary artist known for his unique style and troubled existence. The festival served as a platform for the film’s debut and honoured Depp with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his contributions to cinema.
Earlier this year, Depp appeared in Jeanne du Barry, where he portrayed King Louis XV, marking his return to the big screen after a highly publicized legal battle. In a verdict that captured media attention, Depp won his case against Heard, resulting in a jury ordering her to pay him $10 million in compensatory damages and $350,000 in punitive damages.
As he embarks on this new project, Depp’s journey reflects a determination to move past the controversies of his personal life. With ‘Modi’, he not only reaffirms his creative spirit but also illustrates a profound ability to learn from life’s challenges, aiming to find peace in the process.