A Call From Al Pacino After Amber Heard Legal Battle Was Probably the Last Thing Johnny Depp Expected
- Johnny Depp’s career struggled after his legal battles with Amber Heard.
- Al Pacino encouraged him to direct the film 'Modi,' reviving his spirit.
- Filming 'Modi' was a positive, creative experience for Depp, unlike before.
Johnny Depp, known for his epic pirate moves and offbeat roles, hit a major crossroads. After weathering a legal storm that was a total mess, he’s trying to bounce back and get his life and career on track.
His latest showing at the San Sebastián Film Festival was a clear sign that fans still have his back. They cheered as he walked the red carpet for his new film, Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness.
But wait—there’s more. Envision this: a phone call from Al Pacino, the acting legend himself. That’s what happened to Depp! Pacino, with his smooth charm, brought up a project that had slipped through the cracks.
It was all about the famous artist Amadeo Modigliani. Feeling a blend of hype and a bit of doubt, Depp jumped at the opportunity. After all, according to him, when Al Pacino speaks, you listen!
Al Pacino’s Surprise Call to Johnny Depp Was Unexpected Yet Very Much Needed
Let’s rewind a bit. Johnny Depp’s journey to directing Modi started with that fateful phone call. Al Pacino, with his classic smooth voice, asked if Depp recalled a project about Modigliani.
The artist, known for his unique style, was a great subject for a film. Pacino saw potential in Depp and nudged him to take the reins as director. Mr. Depp described the call as strange but exciting. Check out his quote below (via Deadline):
I got a very strange phone call from Al Pacino who said ‘Do you remember this Modigliani project?’ and he said I should direct it.
So, the 61-year-old ran with it. His past experience with directing was rocky, to say the least. He directed The Brave back in 1997 but found it overwhelming. Depp felt like he was trapped in a math class he had never signed up for.
But this time around, it was different. The Hollywood star was ready to tackle the challenge with a fresh mindset. It was time for him to let his creativity shine!
He joked about feeling like a “giant toddler” on set, just vibing and exploring his artistic side. Thanks to Pacino’s push, Depp flipped the script from a struggling star to a directing boss, ready to craft his cinematic masterpiece.
Johnny Depp’s Positive Experience on Modi’s Set
Filming Modi turned out to be a total breath of fresh air for Johnny Depp. Unlike his first directing gig, this one was “infinitely more positive.” He called it an organic experience, where everything just flowed naturally, saying:
I was very lucky. It was a singular experience for me. Very organic which does happen. This was a very organic grouping and things happened without having to go to anyone for anything.
The team worked together seamlessly, without too many hurdles. Depp felt liberated as if he could explore every corner of his creativity. The film dives into three crazy days of Modigliani’s life, and Depp really wanted to nail that vibe.
He aimed to make a movie that connected with audiences. Teaming up with a skilled cast and crew, the Jeanne Barry star found real joy in the whole process. There were laughs, surprises, and a lot of artistic energy on set.
Modi hits theaters in Italy on Dec. 5! Although, there is no word yet on when it’ll drop in the U.S.
