Stars and Performers - Johnny Depp
Films
Item 1 -Alice In Wonderland" (2010)
My focus film is 'Alice In Wonderland.' In this film, method acting and other preparation techniques are brought to the surface in order to develop the character and enhance Depp's performance. These techniques tend to be personal to the actor himself because of the way he explores his role. Depp explores the unique ways of bringing a character to life, such as painting the character to develop the imagination. This film provides a good example of his personal methods being used which helps answer the question of the research project.
Item 2 - "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas" (1998)"
I have chosen this film as an additional focus film, as the preparation he takes for the role relates to Stanislavski's idea of method acting. This film is extremely relevant to my research because Johnny Depp adopts that technique so that he can deliver a convincing performance throughout Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The use of the technique highlights his acting style as well as giving insight into the type of actor he is, which is clearly from the method acting category. This technique requires an actor such as Depp learning the characters, mannerisms and traits in order to be convincing and to have an immersive character that mirrors the original role. This film is key since it clearly shows that he is termed as a method actor, which is clearly answering the question at hand.
Item 3 - "Pirates Of The Caribbean" (2003)
My third and final film I have chosen as a focus is 'Pirates and the Caribbean.' This movie brought Johnny Depp to stardom, thanks to the multi-million dollar fan base and publicity the franchise and the single debut's received. In the movie, Depp follows the same influence of method acting for preparation, including the 'magic if' by Stanislavski, which involved asking the character what he/she would be doing in a set situation. The film doesn't necessarily hold the same amount of evidence for Depp being termed as a method actor, compared to the other two films. However it still holds significant points regarding the question.
Books
Item 4 - "Constantin Stanislavski - An Actors Handbook"
This book discusses the techniques of a professional actor, which is directed by Stanislavski himself. The book highlights the ways to develop a convincing role, which is relevant to the films chosen as it links to the theme of shadowing a specific character in order to build characterisation, which is seen through Depp's preparation of the roles he plays. This book covers the concept of 'shadowing', which is another route to method acting, as the concept of becoming the character follows the same principle. I will be using specific quotes in order to address the question and these quotes will develop the question focus further. The content of the quotes offers guidance to develop the technique of an actor, which will helps answer the question of whether these methods prove Depp to be a method actor.
Item 5:
Source: "Johnny Depp: A Kind Of Illusion" - Denis Meikle
This book held a large amount of content of the actors history and I gained knowledge of how Depp was introduced to each film role and what it took to be accepted into the industry. There are quotes that I am going to be using in order to focus on the question of whether Depp is termed as a method actor. These quotes provide insight into the personal mannerisms and personality of Johnny Depp which relates to the main question. This source shares information of Hunter S Thompson giving Depp a proposal to take on his own character in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'. There is evidence suggesting his eagerness to shadow an individual, which highlights that Depp was driven towards Stanislavski's techniques, early into his acting debut.
Articles
Item 6: Article on the origin of the character
Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/johnny-depp--theres-method-in-his-madness-1882231.html
This item discusses the origin of each of Depp's performances. The article is useful as it contains information about what Depp does to prepare for his role in each film he takes on, including the fact that he shadows specific characters to gain a better knowledge of the character he is playing. This was a unique idea yet a fresh approach to getting into character so I wanted to use this item as a means to show his diversity in style and technique.
Item 7: Article on preparation for the "Mad Hatter"
Source: http://www.hollywoodactorprep.com/blog/2010/01/johnny-depps-method-of-actor-research-acting-prep/
This item shows how Johnny Depp prepared for his role as the mad hatter in Alice In Wonderland. This source was relevant to my research material because Depp opens up to what personal methods and techniques he considers when taking on a diverse role. The source offers good factual material that answers the question directly, including quotes about his preparation, which is an essential aspect of the presentation script. This includes him painting his perception of the Mad Hatter in order to visualise the role he is taking on and enhance the aesthetics of the character. This technique mentioned in the article, helps the viewer to go on a fascinating journey throughout the film, as he steps into character.
Source: http://www.hollywoodactorprep.com/blog/2010/01/johnny-depps-method-of-actor-research-acting-prep/
This item shows how Johnny Depp prepared for his role as the mad hatter in Alice In Wonderland. This source was relevant to my research material because Depp opens up to what personal methods and techniques he considers when taking on a diverse role. The source offers good factual material that answers the question directly, including quotes about his preparation, which is an essential aspect of the presentation script. This includes him painting his perception of the Mad Hatter in order to visualise the role he is taking on and enhance the aesthetics of the character. This technique mentioned in the article, helps the viewer to go on a fascinating journey throughout the film, as he steps into character.
Item 8: Article mentioning interview on "Alice In Wonderland"
Source: http://www.timeout.com/london/film/johnny-depp-talks-alice-in-wonderland-1
This source was relevant because it contained information relating to personal methods that Depp had used for his films. In 'Alice In Wonderland', preparing for the role of the Mad Hatter was done by remembering someone he had once met who held similar characteristics. This man had been exposed to mercury poisoning, which is known to cause hallucinations and madness. It is where the designs for the extravagant hat originated from. It may have also been the reason for his extremely pale skin and huge dilated eyes. This idea of shadowing in order to create the Mad Hatter paid off as Depp exhibited a very unique and original performance. I am going to use the quotes from the article as it has provided relevant information regarding the question.
Item 9: Article about "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas"
source:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/15/hunter-s-thompson-shaved-johnny-depp-head-fear-and-loathing-in-los-vegas_n_1967902.html
This sourced article shares that Depp used method acting in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas in order to portray a convincing role. The article was filled with inside information of how he approached his character and what he did to prepare for the role. In his conversation with Lipton, Depp revealed the extreme measures he undertook to be able to portray Thompson's alter ego. He claimed to live in the author's basement for a couple months and he adopted the same lifestyle of Hunter Thompson. Depp studied Hunter Thompson's character but he even concentrated on his microscopic elements of his mannerisms and unique quirks. It is an insight into the commitment it takes for Depp to take on this technique and gives a clear answer that he is a method actor, just by the sheer preparation and time Depp sacrificed.
This sourced article shares that Depp used method acting in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas in order to portray a convincing role. The article was filled with inside information of how he approached his character and what he did to prepare for the role. In his conversation with Lipton, Depp revealed the extreme measures he undertook to be able to portray Thompson's alter ego. He claimed to live in the author's basement for a couple months and he adopted the same lifestyle of Hunter Thompson. Depp studied Hunter Thompson's character but he even concentrated on his microscopic elements of his mannerisms and unique quirks. It is an insight into the commitment it takes for Depp to take on this technique and gives a clear answer that he is a method actor, just by the sheer preparation and time Depp sacrificed.
Item 10: Blog about Depp's personal traits and approaching roles
Source: http://www.hollywoodactorprep.com/blog/2010/01/johnny-depps-method-of-actor-research-acting-prep/
I will be using this source because it sheds light on the fact that in order to master his acting techniques and performance skill, Depp has had to be a driven, committed actor, in order to successfully use his methods naturally. It talks about the perseverance needed when using method acting to not only prepare for each role but also the importance of Depp's sacrifice of time, in order to successfully use method acting effectively. This source holds relevant information and quotes, surrounding the question, so it is clearly suitable in answering the question of whether Johnny Depp can be termed as a method actor.
Item 11: Blog discussing the success level of A-list star Depp
Source:http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2014/04/28/johnny-depp-is-not-a-good-actor
I will be using this because it is the first source that argues against Depp being a successful method actor, since his acting debuts have been receiving low and critical ratings and reviews. This relates to the question since it highlights that perhaps his extravagant characters that he adopts are no longer effective, as his characters are adopted by Stanislavski's method acting. This shows that these particular methods are beginning to hinder Depp's performance, leading to a decreasing rate of success. You can identify that these personal methods and techniques are becoming outdated and a possible reason for his film failures, in consecutive box office flops such as 'Mortdecai' and 'Dark Shadows'- directed by Tim Burton. From this source, it is clear that Depp adopts the method acting technique but whether it is a successful direction in which actors should take is an entirely different question. The outdated technique may be what is hindering an actors ability to perform to a high standard. I will be using quotes in from this to help improve my understanding of the question.
Item 12: Article on method acting itself
Source: http://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/is-method-acting-destroying-actors
I will be using this source because it includes specific information about Lee Strasberg's ideal of method acting, which holds similar characteristics of Stanislavski's technique. There is discussion of there being a drive or obsession of 'becoming the character' and for many actors, this leads to a sense of madness and mis-direction. This links to my question because it highlights the issues of method acting, which is relevant to whether Depp's success originates from these methods or hinders his performance. There are significant quotes that will support my secondary research, that I will be using in order to help increase my knowledge of this question.
Videos
Item 13 -Interview with chat show host (Jimmy Kimmel)
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7JgY9zezj4
This youtube clip is an interview that discusses Depp's personal methods of getting into character. It explains how he uses earphones to focus and portray a successful character which is evidently a personal method used by him. The chat show host and the actor himself discuss personal methods used by Depp and this offers evidence directly suited to the question I am using. I will be using this clip as primary research to further my findings. There is a mention of Depp working with Marlon Brando on set, where his co-star used this technique too.
Item 14 - Interview on Depp's craft
Source: . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-9bbrmUzAA
This interview is useful because it focuses on Depp's personal methods to develop his craft and it is a good item of research, since it clearly answers the question. The discussed techniques include how he prepares for the roles on one of the focus films; "Alice In Wonderland" touching upon the previous mention of painting his characters and adopting mannerisms for the film. Depp always uses creative and original methods when the focus is on acting and development.
Source: http://www.hollywoodactorprep.com/blog/2010/01/johnny-depps-method-of-actor-research-acting-prep/
I will be using this source because it sheds light on the fact that in order to master his acting techniques and performance skill, Depp has had to be a driven, committed actor, in order to successfully use his methods naturally. It talks about the perseverance needed when using method acting to not only prepare for each role but also the importance of Depp's sacrifice of time, in order to successfully use method acting effectively. This source holds relevant information and quotes, surrounding the question, so it is clearly suitable in answering the question of whether Johnny Depp can be termed as a method actor.
Item 11: Blog discussing the success level of A-list star Depp
Source:http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2014/04/28/johnny-depp-is-not-a-good-actor
I will be using this because it is the first source that argues against Depp being a successful method actor, since his acting debuts have been receiving low and critical ratings and reviews. This relates to the question since it highlights that perhaps his extravagant characters that he adopts are no longer effective, as his characters are adopted by Stanislavski's method acting. This shows that these particular methods are beginning to hinder Depp's performance, leading to a decreasing rate of success. You can identify that these personal methods and techniques are becoming outdated and a possible reason for his film failures, in consecutive box office flops such as 'Mortdecai' and 'Dark Shadows'- directed by Tim Burton. From this source, it is clear that Depp adopts the method acting technique but whether it is a successful direction in which actors should take is an entirely different question. The outdated technique may be what is hindering an actors ability to perform to a high standard. I will be using quotes in from this to help improve my understanding of the question.
Item 12: Article on method acting itself
Source: http://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/is-method-acting-destroying-actors
I will be using this source because it includes specific information about Lee Strasberg's ideal of method acting, which holds similar characteristics of Stanislavski's technique. There is discussion of there being a drive or obsession of 'becoming the character' and for many actors, this leads to a sense of madness and mis-direction. This links to my question because it highlights the issues of method acting, which is relevant to whether Depp's success originates from these methods or hinders his performance. There are significant quotes that will support my secondary research, that I will be using in order to help increase my knowledge of this question.
Videos
Item 13 -Interview with chat show host (Jimmy Kimmel)
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7JgY9zezj4
This youtube clip is an interview that discusses Depp's personal methods of getting into character. It explains how he uses earphones to focus and portray a successful character which is evidently a personal method used by him. The chat show host and the actor himself discuss personal methods used by Depp and this offers evidence directly suited to the question I am using. I will be using this clip as primary research to further my findings. There is a mention of Depp working with Marlon Brando on set, where his co-star used this technique too.
Item 14 - Interview on Depp's craft
Source: . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-9bbrmUzAA
This interview is useful because it focuses on Depp's personal methods to develop his craft and it is a good item of research, since it clearly answers the question. The discussed techniques include how he prepares for the roles on one of the focus films; "Alice In Wonderland" touching upon the previous mention of painting his characters and adopting mannerisms for the film. Depp always uses creative and original methods when the focus is on acting and development.
Rejections
Film: "Edward Scissorhands"
Initially, this film held relevant and crucial information about Johnny Depp's acting style. The actor used method acting to portray his character of Edward but the contents of how he developed his craft were too similar to the other key films I have chosen. It became a less significant film as there were not enough sources available to use this film in my catalogue, since my findings only scratched the surface of the question.
Article from a Depp interview
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2052067/Johnny-Depp-interview-Disney-wanted-Pirates-Caribbean.html#ixzz3cZc77Jde
This article about Johnny Depp was insignificant to the question because it was discussing Depp as an actor being so extravagant with his characters, to the extent that Disney wanted to fire him. This did not directly address the question of the techniques Depp has or personal methods he used. It held no significance because there was no mention of key films or a direct link to the question.
Article on "Johnny Depp's Savage Journey - Rolling Stone"
Source: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/johnny-depps-savage-journey-into-fear-and-loathing-in-las-vegas-19980611
I did not want to use this source because although it holds substantial information directed at the question, it is too similar to a research article that I am already using, as it discussed Depp's method of Shadowing a character such as Hunter Thompson and there was no additional information highlighted.
Wikipedia page on Depp's personal life and achievements
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Depp
I rejected this source because the wikipedia page is very general to the actors personal life and awards, mentioning how many films he has had roles in. This item was not specific to the question at hand and held no relevant information to what techniques and methods are used to portray a convincing performance. It did not shed light on methods or techniques used for the focus key films.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Depp
I rejected this source because the wikipedia page is very general to the actors personal life and awards, mentioning how many films he has had roles in. This item was not specific to the question at hand and held no relevant information to what techniques and methods are used to portray a convincing performance. It did not shed light on methods or techniques used for the focus key films.
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