Depp [Paperback]

Christopher Heard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2001

Taking Johnny Depp fans on a wild ride, this book chronicles the actor's ups and downs, pinnacles and depths. Explored are Depp's turbulent childhood in Kentucky, his leap into the limelight on TV's 21 Jump Street, and, finally, his extraordinary success in some of his generation's best films. From Edward Scissorhands and What's Eating Gilbert Grape? to Donnie Brasco, Ed Wood, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, no other actor his age has such an incredibly diverse resume. Exploring his roles in these films and his relationships with their directors, this compelling book also provides the details of Depp's personal life—from his young marriage, through his years as tattooed Winona Ryder escort and as Kate Moss' paramour to his current status as proud Parisian papa and Vanessa Paradis' lover. Scrutinizing Johnny's shifts as media darling and tabloid target and sifting the truth from the trash in what's been said about him, this is the definitive biography of one of this generation's most important, most impassioned, and most independent stars.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Christopher Heard is the author of Dreaming Aloud: The Life and Films of James Cameron and Ten Thousand Bullets: The Cinematic Journey of John Woo. He is the cohost and producer on the long-running television show Reel to Real.

Product Details

• Paperback: 255 pages
• Publisher: ECW Press (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550224700
• ISBN-13: 978-1550224702
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #856,073 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

103 of 104 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best, January 2, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Depp (Paperback)

Depp

I loved this book! OK, I know I am not totally objective when it comes to JD-I think the guy walks on water, but not every author agrees with me. In reading this preface, though, I knew that I would really enjoy this book. Heard says " For his contribution to the art form, Depp deserves respect and admiration, and I intend to show him both." Heard makes no apology for the fact that he is a fan and it is written from that perspective.

He is a fan, however, it is not just a collection of quotes from people saying good things about Johnny- he actually tries to give you more depth than is usually the case. It is clear that some of the other books on Johnny were half-hearted attempts written for the sole purpose of making money. The author merely listed facts from the movie or press clippings and made no real attempt to get to the real story or real people behind that story. It is not true with this book.

As a journalist and host of TV's Reel to Real, Heard would have learned about the same incidents and "press" about Johnny as the others in the business of reporting on Hollywood. Some have sensationalized incidents in order to sell papers or books. This book, however, is not tabloid journalism. Heard says, "I would rather tell his story as I uncovered it than to take the position of a sniper" (an all too common tactic the press takes with regard to Johnny). Heard actually tries to find out what is behind the headlines. I also enjoy the fact that he adds his own opinions to the mix which makes it a little more interesting reading especially when it comes from an admirer.

The book begins with Johnny's birth and continues through events of spring 2001 so it is fairly up-to- date. I like the way the book flows. It is easy to read and not written in an affected way. Many authors and journalists are more concerned that you be impressed with them then in really conveying anything about Johnny. Heard portrays Depp as a person-not simply a movie star. He discusses Depp's surroundings as well as the background of those around him-not just their names. He discusses decisions which were made and often the motives behind them.

Frequently, books on stars rely heavily on pictures to fill the pages rather than any substance. This has few pictures. Chapter 8 has a section with 8 full-colored pictures of Johnny with various looks-of course he looks great in all of them. There are also some black and white images scattered throughout the book. However, the focus of the book is on Johnny as an artist not as a coffee table picture book.

For those Johnny fans, you may know most of what is in this book, however, it is the best single compilation regarding him. For those of you with friends who don't understand what the fuss is all about, I would suggest you hand them this book!

Chapter One - The Kids
Chapter Two - Craven Images
Chapter Three - Rumble in the Jungle
Chapter Four - Might as Well Jump

Chapter Five - Depp and Burton, Burton and Depp - Part 1
Chapter Six - The Low Road
Chapter Seven - Depp and Burton, Burton and Depp - Part 2
Chapter Eight - 1410
Chapter Nine - The Icon of Cool
Chapter Ten - The Brave
Chapter Eleven - Anti-Hero
Chapter Twelve - When the Going Gets Weird, the Weird Turn Pro
Chapter Thirteen - Leaving Home
Chapter Fourteen - Paradis and Paradise in Paris
Chapter Fifteen - Depp and Burton, Burton and Depp - Part 2
Chapter Sixteen - Absinthe, Croissants, and Cigarette

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heard does it again!, January 16, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Depp (Paperback)

Heard has done an immensely satisfying job of bringing the reclusive Depp to his fans. Like other biographies Heard has written, he is thorough and appreciative of his subject matter. Unlike some of the slock that is out there, this book gives a lot of information without painting Depp in a bad light. This is a book for the fan of Depp that wants to learn more.

Good work Heard!

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and very thorough, a must read for JD fans, March 10, 2004

By 

Carlos Rodriguez - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Depp (Paperback)

I bought this book not too long and throughly enjoyed it. The author Christopher Heard did a good job researching his subject and wrote a very detailed biography of one of todays most talented and dynamic actors. The book covers all aspects of Depp's life and career beginning in Kentucky where the actor was born and follows thru to the present. Johnny Depp has always been looked upon as a rebel and a troublemaker who no one really took seriously at the beginning of his career. He became a teen idol (which he dread) in the popular police drama 21 Jump Street.

Depp remained with the series from 1987-1990 afterwards he decided not to renew his contract and concentrated on a career as a film actor. Never one to follow trends he insisted that after 21 Jump Street he would not be typecast playing pretty boy roles but following his own instinct.

Today Johnny Depp is on the Hollywood A-list something that he can't hardly believe because of his choice of roles and the path his career has taken from the beginning never sticking to the norn but rather to the off beat. His life has been like rollercoaster ride but he is now living very differently more at peace with himself after he and girlfriend French singer Vanessa Paradis became a couple and had two children.

This is a fascinating and well written biography of an actor who I've always thought as being underrated but nevertheless extremely gifted and versatile. He is in my opinion the finest actor of his generation and I believe he will continue to woo audiences and thrill critics with his excellent performances on film for a long time to come.