After 25 years, Johnny Depp is back to directing a feature-length film with “Modigliani.” The film will focus on Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. It is based on the Dennis McIntyre play of the same name, which was adapted for the screen by Jerzy Kromolowski and Mary Kromolowski (“The Pledge”). Al Pacino will produce the film along with Barry Navidi (“The Merchant of Venice”).
“The saga of Mr. Modigliani’s life is one that I’m incredibly honored, and truly humbled, to bring to the screen,” Depp gushed in a statement. “It was a life of great hardship, but eventual triumph — a universally human story all viewers can identify with.”
“Modigliani” is set in Paris in 1916. This film will explore a turbulent 48 hours period in his life which was a huge turning point for the painter and sculptor. He considered himself a critical and commercial failure as an artist. These events ended up solidifying his reputation as a legendary artist.
Not only does “Modigliani” mark Depp’s return to directing after the critical disaster that was 1997’s “The Brave,” it will also be another collaboration between producers Pacino and Navidi. The pair have worked together previously on 2004’s “The Merchant Of Venice,” 2011’s “Wilde Salomé,” and 2013’s “Salomé.”
“This project has been very close to Al’s heart. Al introduced me to the play Modigliani many years ago and I instantly fell in love with it,” Navidi said. “This is a slice of Modi’s life and not a bio. It’s been a dream of mine to work with Johnny again — he’s a true artist with an amazing vision to bring this great story to the screen.” Depp and Navidi previously worked together on “Divine Rapture“
Currently, there is no set release date for “Modigliani.” We’ll let you know what we hear about this and other news.
