Modigliani: Johnny Depp to direct his first film in 25 years

Johnny Depp is ready to leave the whole Amber Heard debacle behind him and get back to making films. He is currently shooting a period piece called Jeanne du Barry, where he is playing King Louis XV, which his look was recently revealed for. THR reports that next, Depp is set to embark on his sophomore effort at directing with a film called Modigliani.

Modigliani will be a biographical story of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. The film revolves around two important days in the artist’s life in Paris in 1916, which became the crucial turning point in his entire career. Depp will also be producing the film alongside long-time producing partners Al Pacino and Barry Navidi.

Speaking with THR, Navidi cites Pacino as the inspiration and heart of this project, revealing that it was him who brought to his attention the play that the film will be based on. He explains, “This project has been very close to Al’s heart. Al introduced me to the play, Modigliani many years ago, and I instantly fell in love with it.” Deep took to the story as well, saying, “The saga of Mr. Modigliani’s life is one that I’m incredibly honored and truly humbled to bring to the screen. It was a life of great hardship, but eventual triumph — a universally human story all viewers can identify with.“

Some may not be familiar with Depp’s directorial debut back in 1997, where he had the chance to work with one of his idols, Marlon Brando. The film titled, The Brave, dealt with a freshly released ex-convict who is offered the chance to support his impoverished family by being the victim of a snuff film. The film’s overwhelming negative critical response persuaded Depp not to give it a traditional release. The movie did not see a theatrical run or a home video release.

Modigliani’s stage play was written by Dennis McIntyre and was adapted into a screenplay by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski. Filming is scheduled to begin in Europe in the spring of 2023.