Johnny Depp has made a bold return to directing with his film Modìgliani: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, a biographical drama centered on Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani set in 1916 Paris. However, this Johnny Depp risky directorial comeback is complicated by production chaos, contentious casting choices, and critical disapproval, as the film awaits a U.S. release following its July 11 debut in the United Kingdom.
Coming after a turbulent legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp’s first directorial effort in over two decades reflects both his personal struggles and artistic passion. Despite the setbacks to his Hollywood career, Depp is determined to reclaim his creative voice, choosing a project as unpredictable as his own life story.
The turbulent path behind Depp’s return to directing
Johnny Depp’s decision to direct Modì: Three Days on the Wing of Madness was largely influenced by longtime friend and co-star Al Pacino, who encouraged Depp to take on the role behind the camera. Filming took place in Budapest, where the set was described as chaotic yet compelling, mirroring the tumultuous lives of both Modigliani and Depp himself.
The actor-director embraced a risky and unconventional approach to casting, selecting Italian actor Riccardo Scamarcio for the lead role solely based on a photograph that captured what Depp saw as the “dangerous charisma” reminiscent of Oliver Reed. This gut-driven choice underscores Depp’s commitment to raw authenticity rather than commercial predictability.
Real creativity comes hand in hand with the danger that you can fall down.
—Riccardo Scamarcio, Actor
I’ve kept up with his work and artistry through the years and just knew he had the right instruments and creative acumen to suit the very essence of this film in order to direct it.
—Al Pacino, Actor and Producer
His eyes reminded me of Oliver Reed. I f—ing love Oliver Reed. He was dangerous and he was funny and he was cool. So I went, ‘That’s the dude [for Modigliani]’.
—Johnny Depp, Actor and Director
The project’s onset was shadowed by Depp’s recent personal controversies, as his closely publicized legal proceedings with Amber Heard left his image heavily dented despite his courtroom victory. These events contributed to a disrupted film trajectory, reflecting the complexities Depp faced both on and off set.
Critical response highlights concerns over film’s narrative and style
Upon release, Modìgliani: Three Days on the Wing of Madness struggled to win critical acclaim. Review aggregators paint a bleak picture, with Metacritic assigning the film a 29 out of 100 based on four reviews, indicating generally unfavorable reception. Critics have described the film as a “curiously bland package” despite its ambitious and chaotic premise.
Industry voices have been particularly harsh: Collider labeled the movie a “plodding, pretentious mess,” placing it among the worst films released so far this year. Major criticisms revolve around the film’s lack of coherent narrative focus and uneven performances, which undermine the potency of Depp’s dramatic vision.
This mixed and mostly negative feedback raises questions about the risks Depp took in executing his creative comeback. While the film embodies a personal statement and a break from mainstream formats, it appears to fall short of resonating broadly with audiences or satisfying critical expectations.
Uncertain future as American audiences await U.S. debut
Although Modì premiered in Europe, no confirmed release date has been announced for the United States, adding to the film’s uncertain prospects. This delay leaves American viewers and industry observers wondering whether the movie might find a second chance across the Atlantic or become overshadowed by its early reception.
Johnny Depp’s director comeback, marked by a challenging production and critical rejection, embodies both a fresh artistic attempt and the ongoing difficulties facing the actor’s professional redemption. The fate of Modìgliani may well influence how Depp’s future projects are received amid the backdrop of his turbulent career and personal history.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Johnny Depp blind or deaf?
A. When Johnny Depp first appeared as Captain Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean,” he had an undisclosed fact—he is blind in one eye and has poor vision in the other. It wasn’t until a 2013 Rolling Stone interview that he shared his vision problems. “I’ve never had proper vision,” he mentioned.
Q. What funeral did Johnny Depp go to?
A. Johnny Depp served as a pallbearer at Shane MacGowan’s funeral.
Q. Is Johnny Depp blind?
A. When Johnny Depp began his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean,” he had a hidden fact—he can’t see well. One eye is completely blind, and the other has only limited vision. Depp shared this information during a 2013 discussion with Rolling Stone magazine.
Q. How did Johnny Depp get his scars?
A. According to Amber Heard, Johnny Depp has scars on his body from self-harm. She recalled him once putting out a cigarette on his own cheek. Heard mentioned noticing “deep cuts” and said they discussed these injuries while they were together.
