Johnny Depp

As promised, here’s the second part of the Johnny Depp interview from David Letterman, which aired in July, 2006. In this part of the interview, Johnny talks briefly about life with his kids. Letterman also touches on the fact that Johnny’s still wearing Captain Jack’s gold teeth, and how he cool he is with them! Then, there’s discussion of the island that Johnny bought in the Bahamas, and how much he loves it there.

There’s also a very funny clip from “Deadman’s Chest!” So, watch and enjoy!

Johnny Depp, Depp, David Letterman, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Pirates of the Caribbean, Johnny Depp interview

To celebrate National Talk Like A Pirate Day (which was yesterday, and I missed posting on it!), website AfterElton.com has chosen a list of “swishbucklers”-gay pirates in film. Noting that pirate characterizations tend toward the flamboyant, the site does say that we don’t actually know if they’re gay, since their orientations are not much discussed. It’s a fun list! Click on the link above to see all pictures.

1. Errol Flynn as “Captain Blood”
2. Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow
3. Robert DeNiro as Captain Shakespeare(Stardust)
4. Kevin Kline in “Pirates of Penzance”
5. Any portrayal of Captain Hook

Although the site has Johnny at number two, they acknowledge that he has pretty much “set the gold standard.” Something tells me he’s probably happy about that!

Johnny Depp, Depp, Captain Jac Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean, Errol Flynn, Robert DeNiro, Stardust, Kevin Kline, pirates

GQ has named the “50 Most Stylish Men Of The Last 50 Years” and, not surprisingly, Johnny is among them. Here’s GQ’s take on Johnny’s style:

After almost a quarter century in front of the camera, Johnny Depp has shown us everything but himself. Not an easy task when you’ve got those cheekbones, that tousled hair, and an unmitigated youthfulness, which Depp has worked hard to cloak by playing reclusive savants and rock ’n’ roll pirates. But we keep searching, trying to nail down his hobo chic—a style that derives from a life spent kicking around the dusty South and the French countryside. “I don’t think he’s remotely interested in fashion. He’s a complete instigator of fashion,” says Penny Rose, the costume designer who collaborated with the actor to create Pirates of the Caribbean’s randy Jack Sparrow. “His look is always eye-stopping, clever, and completely individual.” Or, like the last two drags on one of his hand-rolled cigarettes, raw and unapologetically gratifying.

What more is there to say about Johnny’s style, except what I’ve already said here before: He makes any piece of clothing he puts on look great!

Johnny Depp, Depp, GQ, Gentleman’s Quarterly

Here’s a script review of Sweeney Todd from Michael Vaal at IESB.net.

The Shortest Script “Review” I’ve Ever Done

The script, for all intents and purposes, is just an edited down version of the original playbook by Hugh Wheeler based on a play by Christopher Bond, which in turn was inspired by the legend of Sweeney Todd and the pulp horror fictions of the late 19th century. Screenwriter John Logan kept the best songs and the critical action and it seems that they haven’t had to cut much to make it work – no doubt thanks to the fact that the material was from a play and was nearly perfectly staged.

It’s still set in London and all the characters are here and represented faithfully, so there isn’t much to dwell on regarding the script except to say, “thank god it wasn’t turned into a roaring 20’s gay Chicago gangster musical.” You never know with Hollywood these days…

So, What Might Go Wrong?

While I’m a huge fan of Tim Burton, the director, and of Johnny Depp (Sweeney Todd) and Helena Bonham Carter (Mrs. Lovett), there are a few lingering questions.

Can Tim Burton direct real drama? We’ve seen him deftly handle comedic roles and all manner of oddness very well over the years. But this isn’t THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (which he co-directed with an animation legend) or EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (the closest anyone has come to crying for a Burton directed character at the end). SWEENEY TODD is serious work. Can he make us FEEL the tragedy and pathos of Sweeney? If that doesn’t come through, the ending of the movie won’t move people the way the stage musical has for almost three decades.

Can Johnny Depp sing, let alone deep enough that the walls of theater resonate in a way you’ve never heard before? Because that’s what Sweeney calls for. To be blunt, there are very few professional singers who can pull off the role of Sweeney vocally, let alone act to a level that transforms the role from the big theater stage to the small theater screen. This is clearly his toughest and most challenging role to date. And I do not envy him here at all.

Helena Bonham Carter is less of a worry due to the nature and range of the songs Mrs. Lovett sings. Whether she can take the crown away from Angela Lansbury isn’t as important as whether she can get the audience laughing at the right moments. Mrs. Lovett is devious and clueless, naïvely romantic and heartless as it suits her. Fortunately, this is material that the director is well versed in.

I’m sure the sets, production values, etc. etc. will be top drawer. This is Dreamworks and Warner Brothers after all. I guess my only concern here is that Burton has a habit of making EVERYTHING he does look the same as those cartoony sketches he originally drew for THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS when he was an animator at Disney. I’d like to see SWEENEY TODD pick up from where Burton went with the live action bookends of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY or a more realistic, grittier version of his already rather gritty work on SLEEPY HOLLOW. To be honest, if I see another BEETLEJUICE “Burton tree” in one of his movies, I think I’m gonna puke.

So everything rests on the director and the leads. They have amazing material in hand, which has remained remarkably and pleasantly true to the original masterpiece. Soon we will know if Tim Burton and Johnny Depp can bring to this role not only the wonderful music and dark comedy they are both known for, but also the tragic pathos of one of the greatest anti-heroes in modern fiction.

Of course, those of us who are Johnny Depp fans have no doubt that this material is in the best hands possible! If Johnny can’t pull off this role, then there’s no one out there who can!

Johnny Depp, Depp, Sweeney Todd, Tim Burton, Helena Bonham Carter

Johnny was recently named one of the coolest celebrities in a survey of 15-24 year olds in the Persian Gulf region. The survey, carried out in August by Dubai-based youth marketing agency Out of Bounds. asked 500 males and females to name the coolest and least-cool celebrities. Coming out on top were Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, and George Clooney.

In fourth place was Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. Among the least cool celebrities, Britney Spears took top ‘honors,’ followed by runner-up, Victoria Beckham.

These people know cool!

Johnny Depp, Depp, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Britney Spears, Victoria Beckham, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

I’m starting a new feature today called “Friday Film.” On Fridays, from now on, I’ll be featuring video clips of Johnny-interviews, film clips, even some made of clips set to music. There’s so much good film of Johnny out there, and I thought it would be great to share some with you.

I’m starting off with Part I of an interview with David Letterman, which aired on “Late Night” July 27, 2006. In this first part, Johnny talks with Dave about how studio executives first felt about his portrayl of Captain Jack Sparrow. There’s also a very funny story about his defacing a billboard of himself from his “21 Jump Street” days. And, as usual, his clothes are unusual and uniquely Johnny! Hope you enjoy!

Johnny Depp, Depp, Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean, David Letterman, Late Night, 21 Jump Street, Johnny Depp interview

Johnny has been named to People magazine’s list of the Best-Dressed celebrities for 2007. Following is a partial list of some of the best and worst dressed:

People’s Best Dressed Women:

Beyoncé Knowles - The Showstopper, Cameron Diaz - The Legs, Katie Holmes - The Classic, Penélope Cruz - The Continental, Jessica Biel - The All-American, Drew Barrymore - The Chameleon, Jennifer Lopez - The Glamour Girl, Reese Witherspoon - The Celeb Next Door, Gwen Stefani - The Trendsetter, Ali Larter - The Newcomer,

Best Dressed Men:

David Beckham, George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Terrence Howard, Brad Pitt

Best Dressed Couples

Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt, Gabriel Aubry & Halle Berry, Gwen Stefani & Gavin Rossdale, Tony Parker & Eva Longoria

World’s Worst Dresser

Eva Green

Most Shocking Fashion Moments

Britney Spears shaves her head, Sanjaya Malakar’s faux-hawk, Kidnapped British sailors in oversized Iranian suits, Sen. Hillary Clinton’s cleavage, Naomi Campbell’s dress-up for community service, Paris Hilton’s get-out-of-jail get-up

Just Plain Wrong

Sienna Miller in black tights, Avril Lavigne’s combat boots & pink frilly dress

I can definitely see where Johnny fits in. Who else on this list or anywhere can make anything look good! With Johnny, it’s not a case of “clothes making the man,” but “the man making the clothes!”

Johnny Depp, Depp, Beyonce Knowles, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, David Beckham, Terrence Howard

According to Playbill, Nonesuch Records will release the soundtrack for the Sweeney Todd film. Nonesuch also produced the cast recording for the recent revival of Sweeney Todd. The film is slated to be released December 21. There is no release date yet for the soundtrack.

It has also been announced that all cast members will do their own singing from Stephen Sondheim’s music and lyrics. A great chance to hear Johnny singing! This’ll definitely go on my Christmas list!

Johnny Depp, Depp, Sweeney Todd, Nonesuch Records, Playbill, Sweeney Todd cast

Here’s two great videos of Johnny at the Venice Film Festival. Clips of his arrival, and his presentation of Tim Burton’s award, as well as clips from Tim’s and Johnny’s movies. Johnny always looks fabulous! Enjoy!

Johnny Depp, Depp, Tim Burton, Venice Film Festival, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride, Edward Scissorhands

Gorgeous as usual is the best way I can describe Johnny’s appearance at the Venice Film Festival yesterday! Johnny was there to present collaborator and friend, Tim Burton, with the career Golden Lion award, and they both looked fabulous, as did Tim’s girlfriend, Helena Bonham Carter.

Johnny wore a white tuxedo, with cream shoes, and Tim was in a black suit, while pregnant Helena wore a beautiful off-the-shoulder gown. Johnny was his usual outgoing self, signing autographs, chatting with fans, and posing for photographers outside for more than ten minutes, before going in to present Tim with the award.

Tim was very appreciative of his award, saying, “I am charmed by this award, which will serve as an inspiration for me forever.” He also joked that it was better than an Oscar, saying the award looked better than “a bald, naked man.”

(more…)

Canada.com has published the results of an online survey by Grohe, a manufacturer of bath, shower, and kitchen products. The survey reveals just what Americans and Canadians do while in the shower.

In addition to singing, people admit that they’ve made some of the biggest decisions of their lives while soaping up-things like moving, changing jobs, getting married or divorced, having kids, etc. North Americans report multi-tasking, such as having sex in the shower, or cleaning the shower while they’re cleaning themselves! Now, if only we could get those two groups together!

Then, the discussion gets around to the celebs we’d most like to have in the shower with us! Naturally, Johnny tops the list of males, along with George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Favorite females were Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, and Pamela Anderson.

Now, I could go along with having Johnny in my shower-and not just ’cause my back needs scrubbing! How about the rest of you out there?

(Apologies and all due respect to Vanessa Paradis!)

Johnny Depp, Depp, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Vanessa Paradis, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Pamela Anderson

Here are a few of the Johnny Depp-related books slated to be released, and currently available for pre-order on Amazon. It’s a great line-up. Every one of them should be fantastic!

Johnny Depp enjoys a fan base quite unlike any other modern-day star — grown women sigh over his sexiness, children adore him as Willy Wonka, hipsters relate to his subversive streak. The Johnny Depp Photo Album documents its subject’s unstoppable rise via a wealth of film stills and candid shots away from the set. It chronicles every step of Depp’s career: cult films like Benny and Joon; current releases like the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Sweeney Todd; his drunken, bad-boy period; and his affairs with Winona Ryder and Kate Moss. It also reveals Depp’s life away from the madness of Hollywood — there are rare glimpses of his life partner, Vanessa Paradis, and their two children, whom he aggressively shields from the media spotlight. Through its irresistible array of color and black and white images, this strikingly designed tribute reveals the family man who just happens to be the greatest screen star on the planet.

This one doesn’t have a book description yet, but it’s a companion book to the movie. It’s a 160-page hardcover from Titan Books, scheduled for release on Dec. 4, 2007. The forward is by Tim Burton, and there are extensive photos and interviews with cast and crew.

Originally published in 1997, this book is scheduled for reissue on November 1, 2007. It’s a 151-page paperback from Anova books.

Johnny Depp, Depp, Sweeney Todd, Sweeney Todd: The Real Story of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Johnny Depp Photo Album, Tim Burton, Vanessa Paradis

SF Gate.com reports that Keira Knightley has named actor James McAvoy, with whom she stars in Atonement, as the best kisser she’s ever had. What?! This from a woman who’s been lucky enough to kiss Johnny Depp! What gives, Keira?

Of course, it was reported that Johnny said that he found kissing Keira uncomfortable, due to their age difference and the fact that he had met her when she was only 17. I guess that could contribute to it. And I guess kissing is a somewhat subjective experience and different for all of us, but still…

Johnny Depp, Depp, Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Atonement

Both Johnny Depp and his Pirates co-star Keira Knightley will be attending the Venice Film Festival, which began yesterday, along with other A-list celebs like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Jude Law. Keira’s film, Atonement, was chosen to open this year’s festival.

Warner Brothers has asked Tim Burton to cut parts of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Studio execs have become squeamish over some of the extremely bloody early footage from the Burton/Johnny Depp collaboration. The film currently merits an R-rating, and the studio wants it re-cut, so that it can be released with a PG-13 rating.

In the film/play, Todd’s victims are sat in a mechanical chair, where they are subject to a slice across their throats, before a trap door in the floor opens and they slide down a chute into the lair of Todd’s mistress, Mrs Lovett (played by Helena Bonham Carter), who uses the dead bodies to make her meat pies. One scene that is said to have particularly bothered the studio bosses involved a “ten-year-old boy cutting up body parts, which were then thrown into a meat grinder and turned into mince.”

This is nothing short of absurd! I realize that the idea is to make the film accessible to as many people as possible, but come on! You’ve made a movie about a man who takes absolute delight in murdering people by slitting their throats and having his girlfriend make them into meat pies-and you want it to be less bloody?!

Leave Tim Burton alone. The man has proven time and again that he knows what he’s doing.

Johnny Depp, Depp, Tim Burton, Sweeney Todd, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street