When Johnny Depp started on 21 Jump Street it was hard to imagine that this young actor would develop such a serious acting career but it seems like he has tried every type of role at least once.
I’ve been a fan of Johnny Depp since he played the title role in director Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands and it’s obvious Depp and Burton have developed a great working relationship because together they went on to do Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and the animated Corpse Bride.
But Johnny Depp also has his serious, sensitive side. One of my favorite roles was his portrayal of Gilbert in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. He played the brother of a mentally challenged teenager and the son of a morbidly obese women who struggles with his family when he finds love. Johnny Depp has the ability to be funny and serious at the same time. His eccentric role in Edward Scissorhands is also a sensitive love story somewhat based on Frankenstein but add Burton’s props and makeup and you have a very different character. It’s interesting to me how Johnny Depp has the ability to own each role, I think even Disney was blown away by his portrayal of Jack in Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s very obvious that Depp takes each role as a study in character.
This Christmas Burton and Depp present their sixth collaboration. A screen version of the musical Sweeney Todd-The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. With a cast that includes Burton’s wife Helena Bonham-Carter this should be another successful pairing. I’m looking forward to Burton’s special blend of macabre humor along with Depp’s wit.With 4 Golden Globe Nominations for Best Picture I think this could be the movie of the holiday season.
You can also visit Sweeney Todd on MySpace or visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site