Johnny Depp is one of the few people who can easily claim this honor of being able to adapt to the changing times in Hollywood. Depp’s career as an actor has been nothing short of extraordinary.
The actor is a maverick with a reputation for transforming into a wide range of mysterious characters. In an interview with Graham Norton in 2011, Depp gave an insightful interview describing his creative process.
Johnny Depp’s Eccentric Characters
Depp’s acting skills extend beyond simple character portrayal. The Cry-Baby actor’s conversation with Graham Norton revealed a previously unknown facet of his talent.
Graham Norton: “You have turned by being a real kind of character actor into like you’re the best character actor in the world. Well you are usually, well because, most character actors are kind of also appearing you’ve turned being a character actor into what a global superstar.”
Johnny Depp: “No, I think it’s more like a some form of schizophrenia that has just worked for me because those characters, they’re so big— the Captain Jack Sparrows and Willy Wonka and Mad Hatter and things.”
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With roles as varied as Captain Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka, and the Mad Hatter, Depp has shown an uncanny ability to blend into his roles. The actor’s portrayals of Willy Wonka and the Mad Hatter are enigmas shrouded in mystery. Depp doesn’t just put on his characters’ costumes; he becomes them entirely, resulting in riveting performances.
Johnny Depp’s Interaction with Characters
Johnny Depp’s unconventional strategy isn’t problem-free. Because his characters frequently defy expectations, studio executives often express surprise and initial skepticism when they see the Hollywood celeb’s scripts.
In the same interview, Depp also expressed that when the director signals “action,” Depp completely inhabits his roles, immersing himself in their personae.
Graham Norton: “Do you come to the set with those fully formed, or do you work with the director? Or how does it happen that you create those?”
Johnny Depp: “Yeah, generally they’re born out of whatever they’re born out of. You know, I’ve had characters born out of, uh, don’t get excited, the sauna, you know, being in extreme, take it easy, well, you can feel him coming on, can’t, don’t pick on me… And then what I enjoy really is this sort of um, extreme quiet at the end of the first take. You know, your action, you go and do your bit, and then suddenly you hear ‘cut’.”
The conversation further delved into the behind-the-scenes intricacies of Depp’s transformative performances.
Graham Norton: “So, does that give you pleasure when the studio executives are kind of like, ‘Oh my gosh’?”
Johnny Depp: “Of course. I think that’s the only way you know you’re doing the right thing.”
Graham Norton: “So, do they literally have a conversation with you? Are you doing that for the whole film?”
Johnny Depp: “It generally starts with, ‘What is wrong with you? What’s happened? What’s wrong with—’ Oh, it’s you, isn’t it? But you come with, you know, the kind of, ‘No, you’re just swinging, you have a big stick,’ and you start swinging it, kind of thing. And you just hope that it’ll be all right.”
Depp’s life has been defined by his insistence on being himself and his refusal to conform to the director’s expectations. The star’s willingness to embrace the unknown sets him apart.
Source: YouTube
