14 DAY TRIAL // For many years, Johnny Depp struggled to make people see beyond his hottie status and to where it mattered the most, the films he made. Again, for many years, Depp picked only parts that challenged him the most, even if that meant choosing box-office bombs over roles that would make him a rich man. For that, and for many other things, Entertainment Weekly names him one of the most influential artists of the decade.
Movie critics speak of a Johnny Depp curse, a curse that made itself felt in terms of sales and commercial success, and that was eventually lifted when he agreed to do the part of Captain Jack Sparrow in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. That role, although for what one might name a big-budget but light production, helped him become one of the most bankable stars of recent years, while also showing off his true talent and complete dedication to the art.
“When the decade began, Johnny Depp wasn’t the Johnny Depp of today. Yes, he was a talented and critically acclaimed actor. But he wasn’t yet a surefire box-office draw. Then, in 2003, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’ happened. Capt. Jack Sparrow was one of those without-a-net performances, so singular and subversive that it’s hard to believe Depp got away with it. An added bonus was that the actor, now 46, was able to sink his soul into a blockbuster character without selling it,” EW says.
Of the many who were utterly surprised to see “Pirates” become such a massive hit, there wasn’t anyone more surprised than Depp himself, as he repeatedly said. He proclaimed his win over the ever-resilient box-office and US public one of the most touching and, at the same time, rewarding moments of his career. With 20 years of solid acting behind him and only a rather small but loyal following to support him, it’s no wonder he felt good to finally be universally acknowledged.
“Now, in EW’s Best of the Decade issue, Depp shares something else unexpected and very touching: an extensive, uncharacteristically revealing list of his pop-culture essentials, including movies, books, and music. For instance, what are the man behind Capt. Jack’s two favorite albums by, who else, the Rolling Stones?” EW further says, promising, on this special occasion, a Johnny Depp interview like no other. Fans know by now that Depp is not actually a man of many words, so this should, indeed, be something out of the ordinary.