By Despoina Herouvim,
I am sure you have all heard by now that a few weeks ago the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife, Amber Heard, began. Johnny has taken the stand in order to talk about the physical and psychological abuse he suffered from this woman. He provided undeniable evidence that he was indeed abused by Heard’s hands. There are audios of her admitting to hitting him repeatedly, there are photos showcasing his bruises and his severed finger caused by a bottle that was thrown at him by miss Heard, and there are a number of other testimonies that prove she was lying about being a victim when in reality she was the offender. Nevertheless, Hollywood and the media were quick to stand by her and support her, ruining Johnny’s career and life. She did not provide any undisputed evidence that she was abused, yet she was believed, and she continued working in the movie industry while Johnny lost some of his most iconic roles due to the allegations of this woman.
Despite the fact that a lot of people had spoken up about Miss Heard’s violent past, many people still sided with her. While at the same time no one ever claimed anything bad about Johnny. He was always described as a kind-hearted man, a generous soul, and as someone that has never been violent in his life, something that was confirmed by his ex-partner Vanessa Paradis and his former girlfriend, Winona Ryder. Fortunately, more and more people are coming on the right side of the roaring tabloids, and by this, I mean the side of the truth. It is refreshing to see that most people have seen the evidence and realized who the abuser is and who the victim is. Because yes. A man can be abused. We should not pay attention to whether the victim is a man or a woman. The only thing we should focus on is the evidence and the truth and I think it is high time justice was served.
Now that I took all of this out of my chest, let us talk about the incredible actor that Johnny Depp is. He has been undoubtedly one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation. He has been acting for almost 40 years and has starred in over 60 movies. He has starred in many iconic films like Pirates of the Caribbean, Sleepy Hollow, Edward Scissorhands, Sweeney Todd, and many more. I am sure most of you have seen some of them, but let me tell you that there are a lot of other films that may not be much known but are 100% worth your time. Here are 5 films in Johnny Depp’s filmography that are literally hidden gems.
1) What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
Gilbert Grape, a twenty-year-old man who is in charge, due to the absence of a father figure, of a loving but difficult family of two younger sisters, a mentally challenged younger brother, and their obese mother, is trying to make ends meet while taking care of his brother. The film will really tug at your heartstrings as it is an emotional story about what life is really like in a small American town, with all its kindness and familial love, despite all the hardships that come their way. The film is definitely worth your time, for its thematic depth, for its extraordinary acting and cast, and for its attention to every single detail.
2) Benny & Joon (1993)
Joon is a mentally ill artist that relies on her brother Benny to take care of her after their parents’ death. Benny owns an auto shop and other than some nights of poker with friends he is committed to taking care of his sister, even though he craves some freedom. Sam, an eccentric, undereducated young man who is basically a comedian as he studies Chaplin and Keaton, comes into their life and changes it. This film is simply heartwarming as it gives you a message of hope and it gives you the true depiction of one’s journey to finding oneself.
3) The Ninth Gate (1999)
In New York, Dean Corso is a rare-books expert and is called by a man who has just got the rare The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows. This book was believed to be written by Satan himself in 1666 just before he was burnt at the stake. Dean is assigned to track down the three copies of the book as their nine engravings, if formed correctly, can conjure the devil. He starts his journey, searching for the copies, but soon after he becomes obsessed with the book and discovers that he cannot trust anybody. A film with interesting and unusual characters and plot that will get you hooked from the start.
4) From Hell (2001)
It is 1888 in London and Scotland Yard detective Fred Abberline, a clever and troubled young man with psychic abilities, tries to solve the case of Jack the Ripper who is going after a group of five prostitutes. The murders are part of a much larger conspiracy, and no one is safe from the murderous force that has been sent from hell. The story of Jack the Ripper has been used many times in the cinema. This specific adaptation is a somehow gothic, horror film that really gives you all the elements of a murder mystery movie. Plus, Johnny Depp is one awesome detective.
5) The Professor (2018)
A college professor, after finding out that he has little time left since he is diagnosed with a terminal illness, decides to live his remaining life to the fullest. He expresses his true opinion without being afraid of judgment, he becomes reckless but at the same time, he fixes some previous mistakes and mends his broken relationships. If you have not watched this recent film by Johnny, then prepare to grab some tissues, because you will definitely need them.
I could go on and on about his films, but that would take too long, as his entire filmography is that good. I really hope that after justice is served and the whole truth is out, we will have the chance to watch him on the big screen many more times.
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