Johnny Depp is set to direct his second film, a biopic about the life of the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. The film, working title ‘Modi’, will focus on the final years of Modigliani’s life, when he was struggling with illness, poverty, and addiction, and his relationship with his muse and lover, Jeanne Hébuterne.
It was revealed in the Guardian today that Al Pacino will play the role of the art collector Maurice Gangnat. (A portrait by Pierre-Auguste Renoir exists from 1914) ) The film is adapted from a play by Dennis McIntyre. Italian actor Riccardo Scamarcio has been cast in the title role, while French actor Pierre Niney is to play fellow artist Maurice Utrillo. Modi will start shooting in Budapest, Hungary, shortly.
Amedeo Modigliani was an Italian artist known for his unique style of painting and sculpture. He was born in Livorno, Italy, in 1884 and moved to Paris in 1906 to study art. The works of Cézanne, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Picasso heavily influenced Modigliani. He developed a distinctive style characterized by elongated forms, simplified features, and a sense of elegant line.
Modigliani is perhaps best known for his portraits, often featuring elongated necks and almond-shaped eyes. However, he also produced a significant body of nudes, which were considered scandalous at the time for their frank eroticism. In addition to his paintings, Modigliani also created a series of sculptures, many of which were inspired by ancient African and Oceanic art.
Modigliani struggled with poverty, illness, and addiction throughout his life, and his personal struggles often overshadowed his work. He died in 1920 at 35 from complications of tuberculosis and drug addiction, but his legacy continues to influence artists and collectors worldwide. Today, his works are highly sought after and have sold for tens of millions of dollars at auction.
This is Depp’s first film as director since The Brave, released in 1997. Depp has recently faced some controversy with his private life which could potentially impact the film’s reception.
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