With Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge releasing next, SUNDAY PIONEER looks at different avatars of Johnny Depp
Anti-hero Jack Sparrow (‘there is a Captain somewhere’) is all go on a roaring adventure when the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea — specifically Sparrow whose only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites). Though this is fourth time that he has successfully played Captain Jack Sparrow, let’s look at the other marvelous roles that Depp has played over the years.
Edward Scissorhands, (Edward Scissorhands): His best performance had to be when he collaborated with his longtime friend and colleague Tim Burton. This is by far the best that either of them have done which can be clearly seen. Apparently Depp is Burton’s muse which helps with the vivid imagination like paying homage top Frankenstein myth or deliver a dark fairy tale for ages or just write a love story for Depp and Winona Ryder.
Donnie Brasco, (Donnie Brasco): This role is regarded as his second best performance in his acting career to date. The best part about this role is the way he plays both sides of Brasco’s coin so well, one being the dutiful undercover cop who sacrifices his family and the other being the ‘wise guy’ who need to make inroads with a criminal organisation if he hopes to succeed.
Sam, (Benny & Joon): This is the closest that Depp had come to filming a rom-com only he did not compromise his dominant strangeness to fit the need of the script. Depp’s role and performance as Sam is one big beating heart of eccentric whimsy and starring opposite him is the beautiful Mary Stuart Masterson.
Willy Wonka, (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory): Johnny Depp’s commitment to the role of eccentric chocolatier is weird enough and weird enough that he almost singlehandedly argues for the reboot’s existence. He has proper contempt for the brats on his tour. I like this chocolate factory, and I love what Depp does with Wonka.
Tom Hanson, (21 Jump Street): This role established Depp as a heartthrob, a household name and a dependable actor who could explore movie roles eventually. He notoriously reprised his role in the recent 21 Jump Street comedy reboot which proved that even Depp knew how important the authorisation was to his eventual career.
Raoul Duke, (Fear & loathing in las Vegas): A true performer knows how difficult it is to successfully play and give justice to a character in a drug induced haze. The movie is definitely a mess but Depp’s performance is both pretentious and restrained.