During the production of the Johnny Depp Modi film, French actress Antonia Desplat experienced a distressing robbery at her Budapest residence. The 31-year-old was home when the incident occurred but was unharmed, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the shoot. Despite the theft, Desplat remained focused on her work and continued filming as scheduled.
Details of the Robbery and Actress’s Response
Desplat shared with Us Weekly that a man broke into her apartment and stole her belongings. Authorities were able to recover a significant portion of her possessions. Reflecting on the event at the Los Angeles premiere of Modi on November 4, she said,
“Riccardo [Scamarcio] cooked once for all of us at his house. I didn’t because I got robbed, so I had to change my apartment.”
Although she decided to relocate for safety, the actress made it clear that the crime would not interfere with her commitment to the project.
“It’s okay. [It] doesn’t matter. I’m still gonna work. I mean, I worked that day,”
she recalled.
“Everybody’s okay. I was there. I saw the guy, and he took all my stuff,”
Desplat added, confirming both her safety and the impact of the break-in.
Behind the Scenes of Modi: A Special Collaboration with Johnny Depp and Al Pacino
The film Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness, is a period drama directed by Depp and features Al Pacino, who also played a key role in launching the project. The story revolves around the life of a struggling Italian artist, Modigliani, played by Riccardo Scamarcio, navigating the challenges of placing his art amidst the war-ravaged streets of Paris.
Pacino, 85, was instrumental in bringing Depp, 62, on board as the director of this long-awaited film. Desplat shared her admiration during filming, saying,
“I had to pinch myself quite a bit throughout the process.”
She described working with Depp as a career highlight and expressed excitement about being part of a project involving two legendary figures in cinema.
“They are people I have admired my whole life. So to be able to be directed by one of the greatest actors of all time is for sure a highlight of my life right now,”
Desplat said.
“And then, to get to hang with Al Pacino, which, I don’t have scenes with him, but to be in the same movie as Al Pacino is definitely a pinch me moment.”
Other Key Cast Members and Their Reflections on Modi
The film also stars Stephen Graham and Bruno Gouery, the latter known for his role in Emily in Paris. On the red carpet, Gouery expressed his deep appreciation for working alongside Depp and Pacino.
“It was a dream. You know, it’s unbelievable for me. When I was a young actor, a child, I saw Al [and] I saw Johnny, thinking, ‘Oh, I want to become one of them one day,’ and to have the privilege, the opportunity, to be with them. It’s, believe me, a dream,”
he shared with Us Weekly.
Bruno Gouery’s Upcoming Projects and Filming Experiences
In addition to discussing Modi, Gouery offered a glimpse of his character Luc’s developments in season 5 of Emily in Paris. He hinted at significant scenes set in Italy, remarking,
“There is a lot of Luc,”
and,
“I can tell you there is a lot of Italy, believe me, a lot of Italy. In this season, you will discover why I’m telling you that.”
Gouery also mentioned his preference for shooting in Rome over Paris, signaling exciting directions for his role.
Modi’s Premiere, Distribution, and Depp’s Statements on the Film
Modi premiered at the San Sebastián Film Festival and the Rome Film Festival in 2024. Recently, the film secured a North American distribution deal, expanding its reach. Depp expressed his enthusiasm about sharing the story with American viewers.
“I’m delighted to share this epic story with American audiences, offering them a glimpse into the exhilarating yet tragic tale of the brilliant Italian artist, Modigliani. Bringing Modi to life, alongside an extraordinary cast and crew, has been the greatest honor, and I hope that others feel that same magic we experienced when making this film,”
Depp told Deadline in October.
The Impact of the Modi Film Amidst Personal Challenges
Despite the anxiety caused by the robbery, Antonia Desplat’s determination to continue working reflects the resilience required during challenging productions. Modi marks a significant milestone in Depp’s career as a director and reunites him with Pacino after nearly thirty years. The film’s focus on an artist’s struggle during wartime Paris offers audiences a rich, historical drama that blends artistic passion with personal turmoil.
As Modi prepares to reach broader audiences in North America, the film’s success could further enhance the legacies of everyone involved while shedding light on an often overlooked chapter of art history. Meanwhile, cast members like Desplat and Gouery continue to navigate their roles amid the pressures of demanding filming environments, underscoring the personal and professional challenges behind the scenes.
