Customer Reviews

Depp

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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

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!

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.

Christopher Heard states clearly that he's not telling the story from the press' point of view or from a pro Johnny point of view. He's simply giving the facts and the explanations that the media conveniantly missed. His somewhat mocking of the media's dreamt up persona of Johnny is entertaining, and also informative. It's what you need to know about Johnny, and makes you realize how much you respect him rather than just obsess over him.

This biography is outstanding. It is about the life of the great actor Johnny Depp, who has been in such movies as Edward Scissorhands, Don Juan de Marco, Donnie Brasco, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. If you would like to know the absolute truth about Johnny Depp, what kind of person he really is, and what makes him such a remarkable actor, you must read this book. I already loved and admired him, but after reading this book, my respect for him grew tremendously.

The main focus of this book is his career, and it goes into great detail about all of his movies up until 2001. (Pirates of the Caribbean, Secret Window, and Charlie & the Chocolate Factory are not included in this book) You will not only find out why he chose to do these movies, but you will also discover who chose him for these parts, what he did to come up with his characters, his relationships with co-stars and directors, and much more. There are tons and tons of quotes from co-stars about Johnny; what it was like working with him, what they think about him as an actor...I found this to be very interesting. You can absolutely tell that Christopher Heard went through a great deal of research for this book. Very impressive. It also covers Johnny's personal life, from his romantic interests, to his family life, his struggles, and his not-so-proud moments. This book sets the record straight. Additionally, it does include several small pictures, mostly in black and white, but there is also an 8 page section with full-page colored photos of Johnny as well.

Please read this biography so you can give Johnny Depp the respect that he deserves. This book will give you proof that he is not only a talented actor, but a completely brilliant, creative, and sensitive man.

This book talks a lot more about his movies and whatr he did in them/for them then hid personal life. But, it does talk about his relationships and has a whole chapter (named 1410) on his hotel trashing arrest.

I liked that it talked about his childhood. Also, it potrayed him not as a "Bad Boy" but as a really nice guy who has been a target of the tabloids. Seriously people, get this book! I laughed quite hard in a few places. Also, this book came out before POTC so its not one of those type of books (the kind that go on about how he is such a rebel and if asked about Ed Wood or Chocolat they would go "What? Johnny Depp was in that??").

This book was great ! I learned a lot about Johnny and the people he has worked with over the years. But if you want a book ONLY on Johnny, this book might not be for you. This book will also teach you a little about Marlon Brando, Joe Pistone (Donnie Brasco), and Hunter S. Thompson. This book tells you EVERTHING you could ever possibly know about almost every one of Johnny's movies and himself. It is goes very in depth !!!

First I like to apologize if there's any mistake or difficulty in understanding my review because I'm from Germany.
The book written by Christopher Heard was one of the best items I've ever read dealing with Johnny Depp, although it's not very actual, because the reports are stopping in the year of 2001. But the young Johnny Depp and his efforts, troubles, inspirations and interests during his younger life and career are very well reported. All the films and projects he was involved with are mentioned in chronological order and with a lot of empathy. I really adore Johnny Depp for a long time for many reasons and I know a lot about him and there is really not a single fact in this book that is to be contradictory , every word is true and written with respect. Thank you, Mr. Heard, I appreciate. Besides the book is very interesting and pleasant to read and worth the money, I think.

This is by far the best book about Johnny Depp. You can tell that Christopher Heard truly respects Johnny. If you can only buy one book about Johnny make it this one. I hope he will continue to update this as Johnny continues to amaze us with his uncompromising performances as one of, if not the best, actors of his generation.

look, im absolutely CRAZY about Johnny Depp and find this book very informing about his childhood, career, and personal life. if you're as head over heels as i am about Johnny Depp (i even have a tatoo of him on my bicep), this is the one and only book for you!

Love you Johnny, even thugh you're already taken : )

Enjoy!