Modi: Johnny Depp to direct an Amedeo Modigliani biopic starring Riccardo Scamarcio, Al Pacino, and more

Before returning to the silver screen for Maïwenn’s Jeanne du Barry, Johnny Depp is ready to announce his first directorial effort in 25 years for Modi, a biopic focusing on the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. Inspired by a play by Dennis McIntyre and adapted for Hollywood by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski, Modi tells the story of the famous painter and sculptor during his time in Paris in 1916.

Riccardo Scamarcio (John Wick: Chapter 2), Pierre Niney (Yves Saint Laurent), and Al Pacino (The Devil’s Advocate, The Godfather) lead the cast, with filming going down in Budapest this fall. The Veterans will bring the project to Cannes for a potential sale.

According to Deadline, Modi chronicles a harrowing 48 hours of Amedeo Modigliani’s life, depicting when he ran from police through the streets and watering holes of war-torn Paris. Bohemians think nothing of Modigliani ending his career prematurely, including French artist Maurice Utrillo, the Belarusian-born Chaim Soutine, and his English muse and lover, Beatrice Hastings. To sort out the confusion, Modigliani seeks advice from his Polish art dealer and friend Leopold Zborowski. However, Modigliani’s spiral into chaos takes a wicked turn when he meets a collector who could change his life.

Scamarcio plays Amedeo Modigliani, Niney plays Utrillo, and Pacino plays international art collector Gangnat.

“This is a snapshot of Modigliani’s life that gives us insight into his struggle as an artist suffering from lack of recognition, and a project Al and I have pursued for many years,” said Barry Navidi. “Our incredible cast, coupled with the vision, wit and sensitivity I know Johnny will bring behind the camera, will make this a dream come true.”

Depp directs with Nicola Pecorini as the film’s director of photography. Andrew Sanders and John Beard lead the production design team, with Penny Rose in charge of costumes. Sharon Howard-Field is managing the cast.

Modi is Depp’s first time in the director’s chair since 1997’s The Brave, starring Depp, Marlon Brando, and Marshall Bell. The drama focuses on a down-on-his-luck Native American recently released from jail and offered a role as the victim in a snuff film.

What do you think about Depp getting back behind the camera? Are you excited about his starring role in Maïwenn’s Jeanne du Barry, premiering at Cannes this week? Please feel free to let us know in the comments.