Johnny Depp starred alongside Al Pacino in the 1997 crime drama Donnie Brasco. Mike Newell directed the project with a Paul Attanasio-penned screenplay based on Joseph D. Pistone and Richard Woodley’s 1988 autobiographical novel Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia. Depp portrayed the titular character in the movie’s narrative, and Pacino portrayed mobster Lefty Ruggiero.
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IMDb’s trivia about the film suggests that Depp’s selection for the part was heavily influenced by a controversial 1994 incident involving the actor. The year in question was when the Edward Scissorhands alum was arrested at The Mark Hotel in New York City, reportedly causing substantial damage to his room. He was staying there with his then-girlfriend Kate Moss.
This event changed the consensus of Depp’s general impression amongst the masses, making him a suitable contender for the role in Newell’s film.
Johnny Depp’s 1994 Arrest Helped In Snagging The Donnie Brasco Role
Many, including screenwriter Paul Attanasio, observed that Depp’s participation in Donnie Brasco marked a departure from his trademark cloying, boyish roles (via Moviefone). From the likes of Cry-Baby, Edward Scissorhands, Benny & Joon, etc., the actor could successfully transition into an endeavor that felt more mature. Following was Attanasio’s comment:
“He was becoming a man, not a boy. We captured that on film. It was incredibly exciting.”
Interestingly enough, Depp’s real-life reputation may have contributed to this transitional period in his filmography. According to IMDb, Donnie Brasco’s screenwriter affirmed that the leading actor’s 1994 arrest, following the reported trashing of his hotel room at The Mark Hotel in NYC, where he was staying with his then-girlfriend Kate Moss, contributed to his selection for the 1997 role.
People allegedly began to think the actor was “dark” and “dangerous.”
Regardless of what prompted it, the casting decision ultimately worked in the endeavor’s favor, as the 1997 film reaped critics’ praise while Depp and Al Pacino‘s performances were extensively lauded. On Rotten Tomatoes, the crime drama enjoys an 88% approval rating. The audience score, slightly higher, sits at an impressive 89%.
The Charges Against Johnny Depp Were Dropped
According to an old NY Times report, the charges against Depp for felony criminal mischief were dropped following his September 1994 arrest. The actor was accused of breaking glass and furniture in his room at the Mark Hotel. Police responded to the hotel’s call at 5:30 A.M. They checked to see what commotion had been caused in the room and discovered the Ed Wood alum “smoking a cigarette, cool and calm.”
Kate Moss was additionally stated to have been present.
Johnny Depp agreed to pay US$9,767 in damages, and the charges against him were dismissed.
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As per People, the notorious arrest occurred when Depp and then-girlfriend Moss allegedly engaged in a spat. This account of the incident mentions that the actor was discovered “in a state of possible intoxication” by the police, and Moss was uninjured.
According to another report (via Page Six), the Jeanne du Barry alum blamed the aftermath of the trashed hotel room on an irate armadillo that was said to have been hiding in the closet. The mentioned creature was never found.
Barring the strangeness of the incident, it is said that this contributed to Depp nabbing his role in 1997’s Donnie Brasco. The movie eventually grossed $124.9 million at the box office against a budget of $35 million.
If anyone received the short end of the stick after the 1994 arrest, it did not appear to be Johnny Depp.
Donnie Brasco (1997) is available for viewing on Netflix.
