Depp’s Second Directing effort; ‘Modi’ in San Sebastian Fest

The actor-director spoke about his new film, Modi–Three Days on the Wings of Madness, starring Riccardo Scamarcio, Al Pacino and Stephen Graham.

Johnny Depp at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

“But we all go through what we go through. So to see these people on the verge of earning their stripes. … There’s something beautiful to me about those days living in a tiny studio apartment just off Hollywood Boulevard in a dangerous neighborhood. They were tough. They were rough, ugly; they were weird, all kinds of stuff, but they were beautiful.”

Italian actor Riccardo Scamarcio stars in the titular role alongside Antonia Desplat, Al Pacino and Stephen Graham. Backdropped by Paris in the middle of World War II, the film focuses on the painter and sculptor as he grapples with his artistic freedom, pride and class snobbery while searching for recognition.

Depp said that the film came about through none other than Pacino, who suggested the Pirates of the Caribbean star direct a movie on Modigliani. Depp did a gravelly impression of Pacino: “Hey, you remember that Modi thing I was on about a few years ago, I think you should direct it.” Depp added, “For some reason, they saw me driving this strange machine. I mean, when Pacino speaks, you must listen.”

The cast for Modi did nothing but sing Depp’s praises ahead of the premiere. They spoke often of his kindness and creativity on set, and Scamarcio and Desplat told The Hollywood Reporter in San Sebastian that the industry must celebrate him.

Depp, who made his directorial debut with The Brave in 1997, received the prestigious Donostia Award at the 2021 San Sebastianl for his achievements in the industry.

Cate Blanchett and Spanish director Pedro Almodovar are 2024’s award recipients.

Oscar Actors: Depp, Johnny–About Directing “Modi,” Biopic of

Depp’s Second Directing effort; ‘Modi’ in San Sebastian Fest

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