Customer Reviews

Inside the Actors Studio: Johnny Depp

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4 star:		(6)
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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Johnny Depp has always seemed like a character actor trapped in a leading man's body. He was initially cast as a teen heart throb in the popular television show, 21 Jump Street - The Complete First Season - a role he grew uncomfortable with because he saw himself being transformed into a commodity for a corporation. So, he decided to deconstruct this image by starring in cult filmmaker John Waters Cry Baby (Director's Cut). He never looked back, starring in a number of diverse films that saw him playing a colourful assortment of oddball outsiders, from Dead Man to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Criterion Collection.

Depp finally sat down with James Lipton in 2002 for an episode of Inside the Actors Studio. It seems rather odd that he would get a career perspective so early in his life, but he has assembled an impressive resume which this show skims broadly over. Depp talks about how he got into music, joined a band and how this led to his first acting gig in A Nightmare on Elm Street. Unfortunately, Lipton skips over Depp's pivotal role in Cry-Baby and instead delves into his first collaboration with Tim Burton with Edward Scissorhands.

Depp also talks about how he got the role in Ed Wood and how he approached the character as well as what influenced his performance: a mix of Ronald Reagan, the Tin Man and Casey Kasem. Thankfully, they cover Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and talk about how he got involved in the project and how he lived with Hunter S. Thompson in order to portray him accurately. Sadly, some of his other films, like Dead Man and The Ninth Gate, aren't discussed leaving you wanting for more. This is certainly not a comprehensive profile but rather a primer on Depp's life and career.

Overall, a nice piece, but I almost wish it had been extended to 2 hours like the Robin Williams or Tom Hanks interviews. Very little was said about "Chocolat"--the first time Depp took on a true leading man role in a film--"Gilbert Grape" and "Benny & Joon" were only briefly touched on, and not a word was mentioned of Depp's roles in "Blow" or the Jack the Ripper flick, "From Hell", both of which are impressive pieces of work...probably more so than "Sleepy Hollow" or even "Ed Wood". It's obvious from the Q&A with the students that Depp talked about his time living with real gypsies prior to making "The Man Who Cried," but this discussion with Lipton did not make it into the final edit for some reason. I know from accounts of the taping that the overall interview was about 3 hours (with the Q&A lasting another hour before Dean Lipton chided the students that they really needed to let Depp go home) and it would have been really nice to see more of that than 1 hour it was reduced to. Nevertheless, it's a fascinating glimpse into processes and and inner thoughts of one of the finest actors of our modern age.

A part of me wishes IAS hadn't interviewed Depp until a couple of years ago so we could hear his thoughts on the sudden (though well-deserved) turn in his fortunes, going from being box-office poison to blockbuster superstar and what it's like to finally be appreciated for his work, even if he hasn't changed the way he goes about choosing roles and making them his own. ;)

As a fan of Johnny Depp and of the show, Inside the Actors Studio, I was interested in seeing this episode. Mr. Depp was one of the better selections for a DVD this show. (Robin Williams was another!) I was impressed that he actually names several books on acting that the students recognized. No seat of his pants actor, Johnny Depp talks about how he "finds" his characters and it's interesting stuff. He also talks about how he got into acting (everyone knows that story now, but it's nice to hear it from the "horse's mouth"). I've lent the DVD out to a friend and she hasn't returned it yet! It's worth the look.

A very impressing, happy and typical Johnny Depp is giving a very relaxed and interesting interview. The DVD is not too short and not too long to watch and for Johnny-fans one they shouldn't miss. The quality is alright and even though I'm living in Germany the delivery was very fast and okay for me. I'm happy to have this one.

Inside the Actors Studio: Johnny Depp

As an avid movie buff and big fan of Johnny Depp, I really loved this interview. The lecture theatre (Actor's Studio auditorium) was packed full of eager students seeking some wisdom from this young master and the secrets of his success. As well, there was a huge crowd at the door who could not get into the studio. It was one of the most sought after interviews in Actor's Studio history.

I have enjoyed many episodes of Inside the Actors Studio but this was one of my favourites (alongside Mia Farrow and Jessica Lange).

My favourite part of the interviews are always the concluding questions, "when you go to heaven and God welcomes you at the gate, what would you want him to say?"

Understandably, the interview time imposes restraints on the number of movies covered and importantly working with a young Leonardo Di Caprio. Also question time from the audience was limited.

Otherwise, excellent ****

This is a wonderful interview with Johnny Depp. A must-have for Johnny fans!

This product was a great buy. It's very informative and educational. Makes a great gift this holiday season! Amazon has never let me down with any purchase! I highly recommend this product. Thank you Amazon for having such a wide selection the chose from.

As a fan and a collector of the work of Johnny Depp I had to have this interview.
We see J. Depp in the peron of him self with his own laughter.
They talk about some of the most famous movie and why he chose some of the strangest characters he has played. And his own way to play them, what he think of...and so on
J.Depp talk about his way in to acting and His vision of himself as an actor.
I loved it, wish it was longer but it is only one interview.
If you are a fan or just want to know more about a actor that don't give so many interview about him self. This is your chance.
The interview contains some surprises (the best way). We meet J. Depp in the best view from his cigarillos to his old boots.

Review from Norway.

What can I say? It's Johnny Depp!! This is such a cool interview & Johnny is very open & honest about his background,certain movies,& lots of other things..even talks to the audience & takes questions from film school students about techniques & other things.He looks comfortable & sexy & even lights up a smoke while he's speaking! ;) Very worth purchasing for J.D. fans & anyone who enjoys great actors.

Excellent interview. Enjoyed every minute of it. Takes you right inside Johnny's heart and mind.