January 2008
You can buy Johnny's DVDs new and used at Amazon.com for Johnny
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From OsoBlog
Johnny Depp. Dribble.
Someone once asked plaintively, and not a little naffly, 'Where have all the cowboys gone?'. And here, ladies and gentlemen, is their answer.They've all been melted down and re-built into this über-cowboy for the 21st century, with all of the brooding sexiness and none of the dodgy attitude towards 'injuns'.
Johnny Depp. Officially (yes, officially) the most beautiful man in the world, even at 44. Especially now that Brad Pitt's gone all beardy and George Clooney's gone all old.
He can lasso me anytime. I'll be his ra(u)nch hand. Etc etc.
From Contra Costa Times what Johnny's Rep had to say about Terry Gilliam's project
Director trying to save Ledger's last film
01/28/2008Director Terry Gilliam is trying to figure out how to keep Heath Ledger in his last film, according to one of the late actor's co-stars in "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," which Ledger was still shooting when he died last week.
"Terry's throwing himself into the job of trying to salvage the picture," veteran actor Christopher Plummer told People.com over the weekend.Despite reports the director might shelve the $30 million production, Gilliam, whom Plummer described as "terribly saddened" by Ledger's death, is "trying to work out at this moment how to continue on. Fortunately, because the film deals with magic, there is a way, perhaps, of turning Heath into other people and then, using stills and I think they call it CGI."
Ledger and Plummer left the London portion of the movie's shoot last weekend and were due to continue filming next week in Vancouver. Plummer said, "Heath was in very high spirits," though Plummer confirmed Ledger was ill and complaining about not being able to sleep.
As for reports that Gilliam has approached Johnny Depp to step into Ledger's role, the actor's rep said, "There have been no official talks, and he is currently working on 'Public Enemies' for Michael Mann for Universal."
From Claudi from the Zone
Take a look at Top Five's best things to happen to women in 2007
From South Manchester Reporter
Hollywood star’s kind words for dying Mark
Marie Burchill
24/ 1/2008A GRANDAD has thanked a Hollywood star for the comforting words that helped bring some cheer to the final days of his dying grandson’s life. Pirates of the Caribbean hero Johnny Depp sent an emotional video message to eight-year-old Mark Westwood as he fought an aggressive brain tumour. In the message the Pirates of the Caribbean star told him to keep his chin up and wished him lots of luck for the future.
Paul Robinson, of Levenshulme, said his grandson watched the 35- second video email ‘over and over’ in the final days of his short life. Paul, 61, who lives on St Oswald Road, said: "We are so grateful to Johnny Depp for everything he did for Mark. "Mark was a massive fan of his films and the message was really special and personal to him. It really meant a lot."
The video arrived after Mark’s parents – Barry and Sarah – became friendly with a couple, who also had a sick child, while Mark was being treated at Alder Hey Hospital. The couples turned to each other for support during their sons’ treatments and, when Mark’s parents revealed that he was a fanatical fan of Pirates of the Caribbean films, they discovered their new friends were pals with the Golden Globe-winning star.
Not long after the conversation the personal email from Johnny Depp dropped in to Sarah’s email inbox. During the dedicated message the 44-year-old star expressed his admiration for Mark, told him to ‘keep his chin up’ and wished him ‘all the best and lots of good luck for the future’. Johnny Depp dressed up as his Pirates of the Caribbean character – Captain Jack Sparrow – for the video, after he heard of Mark’s love of the films. He also sent a signed photograph to the youngster.
Mark was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2005 and despite three operations he lost his fight for life in January last year. Mark lived in Prestatyn, Wales, after his mum, dad and two brothers – Peter and Lee – moved from their family home on Pennington Street, just off Stockport Road in Levenshulme. Mark’s mum, Sarah, 37, was brought up on Hannah Street in Levenshulme with her mum and dad, Paul and Linda.
The family have paid an emotional tribute to their son, who was a keen golfer. Dad Barry said: "Mark did so many special things during his life and we have a lot of people to thank. "Alongside the very special message from Johnny Depp, he was granted his wish of becoming a police officer for the day by North Wales Police and he got to step out on the turf as a mascot for his team Manchester City."
Following his grandson’s death, Paul has become a fundraiser for the charity, Brain Tumour UK. He said: "I don’t want Mark’s death to be a waste and after going through the experience I have found out there is hardly any funding in this area."
Paul is now set to host a fundraising gig with his rock band, Killer Instinct, to raise money for Brain Tumour UK. The gig will take place at the Thatched House music venue, 74 Churchgate, Stockport on Sunday, February 10. For tickets contact Paul on 0161 224 3052.
From the Sun UK (take with a grain of salt as alwyas)
(excerpt)
Johnny to be Heath stand-in
Published: January 24, 2009JOHNNY DEPP is poised to stand in for tragic HEATH LEDGER in what was to be his latest film role.
Brokeback Mountain star Heath - found dead in his New York apartment earlier this week - was six weeks from finishing fantasy flick The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
Now director TERRY GILLIAM wants his pal Johnny to film the remaining scenes. A studio source said: “There is a point in the film when Heath falls through a magic mirror. He could change into another character after that and that is where Johnny would come in.
“It’s a weird, fantasy, time-travel movie so Heath’s character could easily change appearance. It would be a poignant moment.
“Johnny’s not working at the moment so everyone is praying he will do it.”
From MyKindaPlace
Swooney Todd
We pretty much thought all our Christmases, birthdays and winning lottery numbers had come in at once when we got the amazing news that MKP would be meeting up with the one and only Johnny Depp! After much hysterical screaming we headed off to a swanky London hotel to meet Johnny, his Sweeney Todd co-stars (Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman) and the film’s director (and Johnny’s bezzie mate) Tim Burton, to talk blood, gore and show tunes!Johnny, you once said there is always something of you in every role you play – what part of you is in Sweeney?
I do believe that you have to bring some degree of truth from yourself to the role and I’ll admit it here, I have shaved a grown man before. I have done it but it wasn’t Tim [Burton].
Did he survive?
He is alive, yeah, he’s walking around to this day.
Johnny and Tim, you’ve worked together many times, do you still surprise each other, creatively?
TB: Of course, seeing Johnny sing… I’ve never seen that in the many years that we’ve worked together. So yeah, there’s always something new. A journalist in America told us that we’d been working together for ten decades, so we’re a lot older than we look. We actually knew each other before the invention of cinema, so we have quite a good, long relationship.
JD: The weird thing is I believed her.It’s a pretty gory film in parts- what was the blood you made for the film really like?
TB: The blood, as everybody here can attest to – especially Alan [Rickman} – is our own special recipe, very sticky, very sweet and it burns your eyes.
AR: And gets into your underpants.
TB: I know it took you a couple of weeks to get it out of your underwear. But it’s our own secret recipe.
From Lycos
Lycos Reports 'Cloverfield' is Most-Searched Film with Web Users; Oscar(R) Nominee Johnny Depp Re-Enters This Week's Top Search List
Wednesday January 23, 7:55 am ET
Paula Abdul, Super Bowl, "American Idol," Big Search Gainers
The Lycos 50(TM) for Week Ending Jan. 19, 2008WALTHAM, Mass., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Lycos, Inc. (www.lycos.com), a leading provider of social publishing, media and search services, today announced the following information from The Lycos 50(TM), the 50 most popular Internet search results for the week ending Jan. 19, 2008. For a complete list of The Lycos 50 and for in-depth text of The Lycos 50 Daily Report, go to http://50.lycos.com . Readers of The Lycos 50 can also share their thoughts on Internet trends and pop culture on The Lycos 50 Blog located at http://lycos50.tripod.com/blog/ and the all new Under the Red Carpet Gossip Blog at http://redcarpet.tripod.com/blog/.
Biggest Movers and Shakers for Week Ending Jan. 19, 2008:
1. Paula Abdul 891%
2. Spyware 656%
3. Hockey 650%
4. Johnny Depp 643%
5. Taxes 640%
6. Cloverfield 439%
7. Antonella Barba 322%
8. American Idol 145%
9. Super Bowl 59%
10. Valentine 47%Notes of Interest:
On the heals of the Academy Award® nominations announced this week, "Cloverfield" (#28) may not ever receive an Oscar® nod, but it is a big winner with web users, making its first-ever appearance on this week's Lycos 50, as the most-searched film, with search activity quadrupling over the past two weeks. The story, told from the point of view of one character's video camera in a "Blair Witch" shooting style, broke box office records for January and Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekends, taking in nearly $50 million over four days. Actor Johnny Depp (#33), fresh off of his recent Oscar® nomination for best-actor in "Sweeney Todd," re-enters this week's list, jumping 643 percent in search popularity. Depp also received his first Golden Globe win, again in the best-actor category for "Sweeney Todd."
From Digital Spy
Depp addicted to 'Midsomer Murders'
Wednesday, January 23 2008, 17:04 GMT
By Beth HiltonDepp addicted to 'Midsomer Murders'
Johnny Depp has revealed that he is addicted to ITV1 show Midsomer Murders.
The actor reportedly wants to make a guest appearance on the series, which stars John Nettles as a detective investigating murders in the fictional English village of Midsomer.
ITN quotes him as saying: "It's a great show. But who'd live in that place? You just get killed."
Depp has been nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his turn as a murderous barber in Tim Burton's musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
He recently admitted that he is a "big fan" of revenge.
From Driving Times Online
On the Move: Johnny Depp
Born in Kentucky in 1963, John Depp, better known as Johnny, is a Golden Globe-winning actor and star of almost 50 films, including Edward Scissorhands, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Pirates of the Caribbean. He lives in France and Los Angeles with Vanessa Paradis, the French singer and actress, and their two children.
Johnny Depp was always considered an oddball by Hollywood studios. The dark and edgy art-house films that Depp preferred were regarded as “box-office poison”. Even when he had his big-money break, in Pirates of the Caribbean, he was almost sacked after two weeks for playing his role as Captain Jack Sparrow like Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones.But what a turnaround. Depp, 44, one of the coolest men in Hollywood, has been voted the top moneymaking star by American cinema owners. The success of the three Pirates films, which runs to several billion dollars, makes him the hottest act in town. He’s also among the favourites to pick up the best actor award at this year’s Oscars for his starring role in the horror musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, for which he bagged a Golden Globe.
Suddenly it seems he can do no wrong. Even Tim Burton, who directed Depp in Sweeney Todd, their sixth movie together, is mystified. “I never thought I would see the day when a major film studio allowed me to make an 18-rated musical with a lead actor who has never sung in his life.”
But Depp, despite admitting some trepidation about the singing – “I had never even sung in the shower. I would be too mortified” – seems to take it, along with everything else, in his stride. As he sits in a London hotel suite, his slight frame, chiselled features, dark hair and moustache give him the air of someone a decade younger.
Living at full throttle hasn’t given him so much as a grey hair. Life in the fast lane on the road includes ownership of Harley-Davidsons, a customised 1960s 650cc Triumph Bonneville motorcycle and a Norton Commando. Outside his Hollywood home is a sporty Porsche 911 Carrera, but he admits his priorities are changing. “I’ve always liked speed, but now I like comfort,” he says. “We all go through the stage of wanting the fast cars and bikes. I was no different. Who wouldn’t admire a Maserati? But I also wanted to ride in style, or with a bit of history. To get there – and enjoy the journey.”
He finds the comfort zone in his modest Mercedes-Benz A-class, the same model he reversed into the gates of his French country home on the Côte d’Azur a couple of years ago. He shares car and home with his girlfriend, Vanessa Paradis, and their children, Lily-Rose, 8, and Jack, 5. His family has changed his life. He became mainstream on screen and in his private life at about the same time. “I have learnt to grow up and still enjoy myself,” he says. “I spent a lot of years living on the edge – everyone knows that. So it’s good that I live calmly and happily.”
In March last year that new-found happiness almost deserted him when Lily-Rose was admitted to Great Ormond Street hospital in London while he was filming Sweeney Todd. She had contracted an E. coli bacterial infection, her kidneys were beginning to shut down and Depp thought they might lose her. Last week he donated £1m to the hospital as a thank you for saving her life and in November he spent four hours at the hospital, dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow, telling bedtime stories to patients.
He is clear about what his family life in France has given him, after a childhood spent moving around with his mother, Betty, a waitress, his father, John, an engineer, and his three siblings. “I have never felt more rooted anywhere,” he says. “I have never been in one place, like this, where I felt completely at home. Los Angeles was my home from the early 1980s to the late 1990s but it still felt transient compared to this.”
He certainly lived the life in Hollywood. He owned the infamous Viper Room nightclub when River Phoenix died outside it from a drugs overdose. While still trying to make it in his first career as a wannabe rock star, he was married, at 20, to Lori Anne Allison, a make-up artist, whom he divorced in 1985. He has been engaged to more famous women than possibly any other actor, including Winona Ryder and Kate Moss. He trashed his room at the expensive Mark hotel, New York, after an argument with Moss, and ended up in jail.
He made news for all the wrong reasons, while delivering films such as Edward Scissorhands, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?, Ed Wood and Don Juan DeMarco. They established his acting credentials but failed truly to light up the box office. It did not seem to bother him. “One consistent theme in all the characters I play is that they are considered freaks, but to me they are real people,” he says. “They feel love, anger and loneliness. Why am I attracted to those parts? I identify with them. I am attracted to emotions. I then watch the film once or twice and let it go. After my job is done, it is almost none of my business. The director decides what is used and how.”
His title role in Sweeney Todd, which opens in UK cinemas on Friday, is garnering him some of the best reviews of his career. It is based on the award-winning musical composed by Stephen Sondheim. Depp plays Benjamin Barker, a high-class barber, who returns to London swearing revenge after being imprisoned for 15 years on trumped-up charges because a judge, played by Alan Rickman, wanted him out of the way so he could steal his wife. He opens a barber’s shop and sets about cutting the throats of his enemies, aided and abetted by Mrs Lovett, played by Helena Bonham Carter, Burton’s girlfriend, who uses the human flesh as filling for her famous pies. It seems right up Depp’s street, with its heavy gothic overtones, much flashing of open razors and blood by the bucketload.
Now Depp is no longer struggling with the teenage demons that left him with several self-inflicted scars. “I felt weird at five,” he says. “Yes, it’s true. At the age of 12, I felt it was me against the world. I remember locking myself in my bedroom and playing my guitar. It seemed as if I was in there for about two or three years. The most important thing is that now, at least, I feel comfortable with myself. I do not have to pretend any more about who I am. I do not want to portray any image that is not myself.”
My stuff...
On my CD player Everything from the early Rolling Stones, Iggy Pop and Billy Idol to reggae and African music
On my DVD player Films featuring Marlon Brando, who had the right perspective on the Hollywood industry from day one
In my parking space A Mercedes A-class
I would never throw away Photographs of my children
From the Insider Online
Stars React to their Oscar Nods!
Posted January 22, 2008
(excerpt)
With the Oscar nominations just announced, the stars come to ET to reveal what the honor means to them!Best Actor nominee JOHNNY DEPP reacted to his nod. "My sincere thanks to the Academy for this kind nomination," he said. "It is both an honor and a privilege to be aligned amongst such ability. My endless gratitude also to TIM BURTON and the entire cast and crew of 'Sweeney Todd,' without whom, I would not be here today."
From RediffJohnny Depp, and his vehicles
Will Depp buy a Volvo next?Johnny Depp has come a long way.
From an edgy independent actor, he's become one of Hollywood's highest-paid and most bankable superstars, and frequently features on any list of top actors of his generation.
He's also settled down, from the wild LA nightclub owner and notorious casanova to a family man, blissfully living with girlfriend Vanessa Paradis and children Lily-Rose, 8 and Jack, 5.
Also, as a feature in The Sunday Times lists, he's settling into homelier creature comforts as well. While he used to pride himself on his 1960's 650cc Triumph Bonneville (middle) and his purring Porsche 911 Carrera (top), Depp today has moved on -- to a simple Mercedes A-class (bottom).
"We all go through the stage of wanting the fast cars and bikes," Depp tells the Times. "I was no different. Who wouldn't admire a Maserati? But I also wanted to ride in style, or with a bit of history. To get there -- and enjoy the journey."
"I've always liked speed, but now I like comfort," he says. Interesting words coming from the man who was once Hollywood's most defiant rebel.
From Handbag.comThe Life And Times Of Johnny Depp
by Zoe Drewitt
He's undeniably talented, eclectic, sensitive and stylish - and utterly gorgeous to boot! We take a look at Johnny Depp's life and career, from troubled teenager to Noughties super-dad, and the beautiful women along the way...In the beginning
Johnny Depp was born on 9 June 1963 in Owensboro, Kentucky. His mother Betty Sue (pictured) was a waitress and his father John Depp Sr worked as an engineer. Johnny has a mixture of German and Irish ancestry with a pinch of Cherokee added from a great-grandmother. Has one brother, Danny, and two sisters, Debbie and Christie.Troubled teenager
In his early childhood Johnny's family moved more than 20 times, but they finally put down roots in Florida when he was seven. His parents divorced when he was 15. Johnny's stressful upbringing led to self-harm - he talked about his self-inflicted scars in an interview, saying, "My body is a journal in a way. It's like what sailors used to do, where every tattoo meant something, a specific time in your life when you make a mark on yourself, whether you do it yourself with a knife or with a professional tattoo artist."I wanna be a rock star
Johnny's first love was music. His mother gave him a guitar when he was 12 and he left school aged 16 to play in a rock band. He later moved to LA with the band to find fame and fortune. At 20 years old, Johnny married Lori Anne Allison, the sister of the band's bass player.Career move
Johnny's marriage only lasted three years, but in that time his wife, a make-up artist, introduced the fresh-faced Johnny Depp to actor Nicolas Cage. Cage suggested that Depp should try a career in movies, a decision that eventually led to Johnny having his very own star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in 1999. Johnny's big break came with a role in Wes Craven's Horror classic A Nightmare On Elm Street. He starred in the US TV police drama 21 Jump Street from 1987 to 1990 where his fame grew.He became a teen idol and received thousands of fan letters a week.Winona Forever?
Johnny was engaged to fellow actress Winona Ryder for three years. They first clocked each other at the premiere for Winona's 1989 movie Great Balls Of Fire. He had ‘Winona Forever' tattooed on his upper arm, but when the couple split he had the tattoo changed to read ‘Wino Forever'.Dynamic duo
He met a kindred spirit in the form of quirky goth Tim Burton, who directed Johnny and Winona Ryder in Edward Scissorhands. Depp starred in five more Burton films - Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Corpse Bride, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and Sweeney Todd. The pair have three more films together coming up - Frankenweenie, Alice In Wonderland and The Spook's Apprentice!Paradis found
Johnny had a reputation for living hard and wild behaviour - but when he fell for French singer Vanessa Paradis everything changed. Johnny was filming The Ninth Gate in France when he met Paradis - they have now been together for almost 10 years and Johnny has moved to France for some peace and quiet.Dedicated dad
Johnny and Vanessa have two children, seven-year-old Lily-Rose Melody Depp (pictured here as a baby) and five-year-old John Christopher Depp III, better known as Jack. Johnny often talks about his deep love for his children and does everything he can to protect his family's privacy. Last year Lily-Rose became gravely ill with an E. coli infection and was treated at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital - Johnny donated £1million to the hospital this month.Forever young
In 2004 Johnny starred alongside Kate Winslet in Finding Neverland - the life story of Pete Pan author JM Barrie. Other real-life characters Johnny has potrayed include drug-addled writer Hunter S Thompson in Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas and transvestite film maker Ed Wood.Captain Jack
Depp went Disney when he took on his biggest role to date - Captain Jack Sparrow, the unlikely hero of The Pirates Of The Caribbean trilogy. Johnny says he modelled the character on Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, who had a cameo in the third film, At World's End, as Jack's dad.
Don't bet the farm on this story from Contact Music
JOHNNY DEPP - DEPP WANTS ORIGINAL ROLE REPRISALJOHNNY DEPP is eager to return to the role that made him famous - in a film version of TV cop show 21 JUMP STREET. The Pirates Of The Caribbean star shot to fame as Officer Tom Hanson Jr. in the Fox TV series - which was cancelled shortly after Depp's departure. Depp says, "What a great idea (playing the role in a movie version)! Why don't I just go back and play the same part - at 44. "That'd be interesting. I could play the same character I played 20 years ago with people whispering, 'Is he out of his mind? He's really old, but he thinks he's still twenty-something.' I'd love to do that!"
From The Sun UK
Johnny and Tim in kidnap prankBy ALISON MALONEY
JAYNE WISENER and JAMIE CAMPBELL BOWER are the luckiest young actors in Britain.
Not many actors begin their career in a blockbuster movie starring JOHNNY DEPP and HELENA BONHAM CARTER.
But 20-year-old Jayne landed the role of Depp’s daughter in the smash hit Sweeney Todd before leaving drama college and Jamie was studying for his A-levels when he was cast as her eager suitor.
Now the hot new film, directed by TIM BURTON, is set to soar to the top of the box office chart on its release this weekend.
In an exclusive interview the talented duo talked about Depp, Burton and the lengths they will go to for an onset prank! (click link)
From eFluxMedia
Sweeney Todd Cuts Oscar Nod for Johnny Depp
By Jane Ivory
17:06, January 22nd 2008 3 votes
(excerpt)Sweeney Todd Cuts Oscar Nod for Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp received his third Academy Award nomination for best actor for his role as the title character in Tim Burton’s gothic musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” though no nods went to the film, its director or co-star Helena Bonham-Carter.
The nominees for the 80th Academy Awards were announced Tuesday from Beverly Hills, California, with Johnny Depp seeing his portrayal of the psychotic criminal whom he managed to make endearing to the audiences receive a nomination in the best actor category.
Depp, previously nominated for “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” in 2004 and “Finding Neverland” in 2005, will compete against George Clooney in “Michael Clayton,” Daniel Day-Lewis in “There Will Be Blood,” Tommy Lee Jones in “In the Valley of Elah” and Viggo Mortensen in “Eastern Promises.”
The organizers of the Academy Awards ceremony have been adamant that the event will take place regardless of the ongoing WGA strike, on the scheduled date of Feb. 24 at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre.
Jon Stewart is scheduled to host.
From Starpulse(Note from Kazren; is this supposed to be news to us? Don't take this too seriously)
01/22/08Johnny Depp Is Sick Of His Good Looks
Hollywood actor Johnny Depp breaks down in tears every time he looks in the mirror - because he is too good looking.
The Pirates Of The Caribbean star is famed for choosing obscure roles - in such films as Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street - that take attention away from his handsome Hollywood image.
The 44-year-old star says, "I cry every morning when I look in the mirror. Every single morning, because I gotta live with this cute face."
On Tuesday Depp picked up a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his role as Sweeney Todd in Tim Burton's 2007 musical version of the classic London-based horror story.
From SoundGernerator
Jan 21 2008The Streets pays homage to Depp's Sweeny Todd
He's bowled over by the new Tim Burton flick
By: News Desk
The Streets Mike Skinner is urging his fans to see new Hollywood film Sweeny Todd - revealing he found the musical scenes an inspiration.
Skinner posted a new update on his website last week, updating fans on the progress of his next album. But he revealed that a trip to the cinema last week brought a smile to his face - as the gothic horror turned out to be an "absolute inspiration".
“I sat dumbfounded by the rhyme and meter of the songs,” he writes. “It was an absolute inspiration to experience Stephen Sondheim at work. Every single line of the songs roll off Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham's tongues in the way I struggle to do night after day after morning.
”I stare at my big pink book with what I want to say in one side of my brain and all this form, rhythm, rhyme and pace swirling round the other aching side. Every time Johnny Depp ended a stanza with the sharp snap of a clipped trochee I would smile at the huge screen (we were on the front row coz we got in late).”
From ShowBizSpy
Johnny Depp sent his chauffeur’s shoes on a trip around the worldJohnny DeppThe Sweeney Todd star swiped the shoes on the set of the Tim Burton movie and organised for photographs of them next to famous landmarks to be sent to his driver.
One of Depp’s co-stars 14-year-old Ed Sanders let slip about the joke during an interview on Channel 4’s Richard and Judy.
Sanders, who plays barber’s assistant Toby, said: “It was weird. One of the chauffeur’s shoes disappeared and turned up in different places around the world.”
Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street hits cinema screens this Friday.
January 22, 2008
Johnny Depp has been nominated as Best Actor for the Academy Awards, for his role as "Sweeney Todd." More news to follow.From AP
2008 Oscar nominations announced: the full list of winners:
At 8:30 this morning (Eastern Standard Time, GMT +5) the Oscar nominees were announced. While there were some surprises, by and large the actors/actresses and films nominated for this big award were similar to those in previous award shows for this past year. The Oscar nominees should be honored by Hollywood's biggest, greatest, and best known self-congratulatory award.
While the writer's strike might affect the Oscars, one of the best known and most watched award shows, the Oscars hope that a similar press conference/award show farce where the names of the winners are read will be held in the place of the normally star-studded Oscar awards show. The awards this year lead some big names including Johnny Depp and George Clooney for their roles in Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Michael Clayton respectively. Cate Blancett and Laura Linney for their roles in Elizabeth: The Golden Age and The Savages were among those nominated for best Actress in a Leading Role.
One of the notable losers was Hairspray which was not nominated for any category for the Oscars but has previously won awards at many of the shows. Some winners include Juno, Ratatouille, Michael Clayton, and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly which were all nominated in various categories for actors/actress powerhouse performance to best movie in their respective genre. As stated earlier, there were few surprises but a solid list of choices was nominated for the Oscars which are going to be revealed in 33 days on February 24th.
Full List of Nominees (from Oscar.com, Nominations Announcement):
Best Picture
"Atonement"
"Juno"
"Michael Clayton"
"No Country for Old Men"
"There Will Be Blood"Actor
George Clooney, "Michael Clayton"
Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood"
Johnny Depp, "Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
Tommy Lee Jones, "In the Valley of Elah"
Viggo Mortensen, "Eastern Promises"Actress
Cate Blanchett, "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
Julie Christie, "Away From Her"
Marion Cotillard, "La Vie en Rose"
Laura Linney, "The Savages"
Ellen Page, "Juno"Supporting Actor
Casey Affleck, "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men"
Hal Holbrook, "Into the Wild"
Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Charlie Wilson's War"
Tom Wilkinson, "Michael Clayton"Supporting Actress
Cate Blanchett, "I'm Not There"
Ruby Dee, "American Gangster"
Saoirse Ronan, "Atonement"
Amy Ryan, "Gone Baby Gone"
Tilda Swinton, "Michael Clayton"Director
Julian Schnabel, "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
Jason Reitman, "Juno"
Tony Gilroy, "Michael Clayton"
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men"
Paul Thomas Anderson, "There Will Be Blood"Foreign Film
"Beaufort," Israel
"The Counterfeiters," Austria
"Katyn," Poland
"Mongol," Kazakhstan
"12," RussiaAdapted Screenplay
Christopher Hampton, "Atonement"
Sarah Polley, "Away from Her"
Ronald Harwood, "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men"
Paul Thomas Anderson, "There Will Be Blood"Original Screenplay
Diablo Cody, "Juno"
Nancy Oliver, "Lars and the Real Girl"
Tony Gilroy, "Michael Clayton"
Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava and Jim Capobianco, "Ratatouille"
Tamara Jenkins, "The Savages."Animated Feature Film
"Persepolis"
"Ratatouille"
"Surf's Up"Art Direction
"American Gangster"
"Atonement"
"The Golden Compass"
"Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
"There Will Be Blood"Cinematography
"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
"Atonement"
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
"No Country for Old Men"
"There Will Be Blood"Sound Mixing
"The Bourne Ultimatum"
"No Country for Old Men"
"Ratatouille"
"3:10 to Yuma"
"Transformers"Sound Editing
"The Bourne Ultimatum"
"No Country for Old Men"
"Ratatouille"
"There Will Be Blood"
"Transformers"Original Score
"Atonement," Dario Marianelli
"The Kite Runner," Alberto Iglesias
"Michael Clayton," James Newton Howard
"Ratatouille," Michael Giacchino
"3:10 to Yuma," Marco BeltramiOriginal Song
"Falling Slowly" from "Once," Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
"Happy Working Song" from "Enchanted," Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz
"Raise It Up" from "August Rush," Nominees to be determined
"So Close" from "Enchanted," Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz
"That's How You Know" from "Enchanted," Alan Menken and Stephen SchwartzCostume
"Across the Universe"
"Atonement"
"Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
"La Vie en Rose"
"Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street"Documentary Feature
"No End in Sight"
"Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience"
"Sicko"
"Taxi to the Dark Side"
"War/Dance"Documentary (short subject)
"Freeheld"
"La Corona (The Crown)"
"Salim Baba"
"Sari's Mother"Film Editing
"The Bourne Ultimatum"
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
"Into the Wild"
"No Country for Old Men"
"There Will Be Blood"Makeup
"La Vie en Rose"
"Norbit"
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"Animated Short Film
"I Met the Walrus"
"Madame Tutli-Putli"
"Meme Les Pigeons Vont au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go to Heaven)"
"My Love (Moya Lyubov)"
"Peter & the Wolf"
From Extra!
Johnny Depp on Strike: 'We Need To Get Them Working'
Posted by ExtraTV Staff on January 17, 2008 8:05 AM
Johnny Depp is speaking out about the writers strike that threatens to Oscars and continues to cripple Hollywood.
"We need to get them back working," he told "Extra" at the Paris premiere of his flick, "Sweeney Todd."
In between signing autographs, the blockbuster star was all smiles in his first public appearance since "Extra's" own Dayna Devon announced he had won the Golden Globe for his role in the slasher-musical.
"I was very surprised certainly," he admitted. "Flattered. Honored!"
Now Johnny could soon have another blockbuster project lined up. His good friend and famed director Tim Burton is reportedly planning a 3-D adaptation of the children's classic "Alice in Wonderland," and it's a good bet Burton could cast Johnny.
From Celebrity-Babies
Rumor: Lily-Rose, Jack Depp to attend British schools?
By Missy, CBB WriterWith properties situated around the globe, actor Johnny Depp is rumored to have chosen England as the place where his children -- Lily-Rose, 8 ½, and Jack, 5 ½ -- will obtain their education. According to a report in today's Mail on Sunday, Johnny has enlisted the help of Countdown presenter Carol Vorderman in his efforts to find the best school possible; Carol lives close to the $2.5 million home Johnny and longtime partner Vanessa Paradis purchased near Bath, England last year. Said an unnamed source,
[Johnny and Carol] have met up a few times and their kids get along well. He is set on sending the children to British schools. Carol's go to Clifton College in Bristol and Johnny may check it out.
Lily-Rose and Jack are Johnny's children with Vanessa. Carol has two children, Katie and Cameron, with ex-husband Patrick King.
Special Notice
Kazren has lost an entire 36 hours worth of email, so if you wrote to her from early 1/19 until mid 1/20, she did not get it.
From Tiscali
January 16, 2008 -Click
PARIS - Actor Johnny Depp poses as he arrives to attend the premiere of the Tim Burton's Film "Sweeney Todd" on January 16, 2007 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
And from TV 3
Click
Globe winners Depp and Burton hit Paris
Thu, 17 Jan 2008 02:37p.m.
Johnny Depp Johnny Depp
The "City of Lights" welcomed Johnny Depp and Tim Burton on the Champs Ellysee Wednesday night to hundreds of fans who waited hours in the rain for their arrival.
Seventeen years after their first collaboration, Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton are teaming up once again - this time on the drama Sweeney Todd. For the first time together they are winners of two Golden Globes - Depp for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical and Tim Burton in the category of Best Film/Musical or Comedy.
The thriller is based on the hit Broadway musical and Depp actually sings in the film.
Depp plays Benjamin Barker, a man who was falsely imprisoned for 15 years after a judge sets him up in order to take his wife and daughter. Barker escapes and takes on the name of Sweeney Todd. Todd, who is a barber by trade, seeks to take out revenge on all of the people who have wronged him.
Depp, who was at home in France when the winners of the Golden Globes were announced, told AP Television:
"Uh, I was at my house. I was at home you know. Yeah, I was at home, just hanging out. I was very surprised, certainly. Moved, you know. Flattered. Honoured. They nominated me about 17 years ago. It was the first time."
Tim Burton was also shocked to hear of his honour while sleeping at home: "Well, I was in London and I was asleep. So, I read about it in the newspaper the next day because nobody has my phone number so I was not really aware of it until the next morning."
Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter also star in the film.'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' continues opens in New Zealand on 25 January.
From KazrenThere have been several stories contraindicting one another about whether Johnny donated money (in January) to St. Ormonds Hospital. He was most definitely there dressed as Jack Sparrow to entertain the kiddies (and I'm sure the staff) at one point in time, we have the photo. But St. Ormonds put out a press announcement that Johnny had not been there this week to make any donation. Now we have a strange bit of news due to Variety.
Thanks to the vigilance of Shutterbug, we had this quote from the original Variety article:
Now, at the same Variety Link is this article:Apparently the reports of Johnny's donation to GOSH were false, although Disney did make donation. The following is an excerpt from an article on Variety.com.Reports surfaced in the U.K. media Monday incorrectly claiming that Depp, whose own daughter was treated at the hospital after falling seriously ill while he was filming “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” at the U.K.’s Pinewood Studios, had also visited the hospital this week and donated $1.96 million. Filming had to be suspended while Depp tended to his daughter.
Those claims were denied by Great Ormond Street’s press office who confirmed that while Depp had made a private visit to the hospital in December to express his thanks, he had not made any visit this week. They refused to confirm or deny if the thesp had made a donation on the grounds of confidentiality. Reps from the hospital were invited and name-checked at the European preem of Depp’s latest feature “Sweeney Todd” in London Jan. 10.
If you are confused, you're not alone.Tuesday January 15, 2008
Disney donates to U.K. hospital
Cash to help redevelopment of site
By ALI JAAFAR
The Walt Disney Co. Tuesday donated £1 million ($1.96 million) to the U.K.’s Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.Move is part of a partnership to help the hospital raise $19.6 million for a redevelopment that will include a Disney-branded interactive zone for children and youths.
Disney prexy and CEO Bob Iger, accompanied by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, gave the check to Great Ormond Street chief exec Dr. Jane Collins.
Disney execs also have set up an appeal website. The first 50 people who donate to Great Ormond Street online will receive limited-edition Peter Pan lithographs from Walt Disney studios.
The relationship between Disney and Great Ormond Street dates to 1939, when Walt Disney acquired the animation rights to “Peter Pan” from the hospital. “Peter Pan” author J.M. Barrie gave the hospital, one of the U.K.’s leading providers in healthcare for children, all rights to the story in 1929.
Proceeds from the 2004 U.K. premiere of Johnny Depp starrer “Finding Neverland,” telling how Barrie came to write the story about the little boy who wouldn’t grow up, went to the hospital.
An officially sanctioned sequel to Barrie’s tale is in the works. “Peter Pan in Scarlet,” based on author Geraldine McCaughrean’s 2006 novel, is being developed by the U.K.’s Headline Pictures, BBC Films and U.K. Film Council.
From the Wisbech Standard
Johnny Depp among stars at Wisbech hotel
15 January 2008
FILM stars Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter were among a glittering gathering of movie stars at a hotel in the Fens over the weekend.The party was held at the Elme Hall Hotel, Wisbech, after the London premier of Depp's new film Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Today a source at the hotel said: "The hotel was chartered for a private VIP function at the weekend and we had a number of high profile celebrities from the film industry staying."
He added the hotel could not confirm who had stayed because of customer confidentiality.
After checking out on Sunday, Depp travelled to London and donated £1m to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where his eight-year-old daughter Lily-Rose was treated after suffering kidney failure last year.
Filming was halted on the Sweeney Todd set at Pinewood Studios as her condition worsened. Depp, 43, later said the illness was the most frightening experience of his life.
From E Online
More Reasons Johnny Depp Makes Women Everywhere Swoon
Now, we know you don't need any more reasons to love Johnny Depp, but we're going to give you one anyway.The recent Golden Globe winner has donated nearly $2 million to the London hospital that treated his eight-year-old daughter when she suffered from kidney failure, according to the Daily Mail.
But Johnny's not into just giving out money, he also donated his time. This past November, he had his Captain Jack Sparrow costume flown to London from L.A. and spent four hours reading bedtime stories to patients.
Good choice going with Jack Sparrow—Sweeney Todd is awfully scary looking.
From Digital Spy
Depp denies David Bowie comparison
Tuesday, January 15 2008, 16:42 GMT
By Beth Hilton
Depp denies David Bowie comparisonJohnny Depp has denied rumours that he modelled his singing on David Bowie in new movie Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
The actor, who sings for the first time onscreen in director Tim Burton's horror musical, famously based himself on Rolling Stones legend Keith Richards in the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy.
However, although he admitted that several people had likened him to the '70s icon, he denied trying to copy any existing singers.
He said: "I wouldn't ever dream of attempting to channel David Bowie, he's a big hero of mine. If there's a similarity, it wasn't intentional, certainly not. [But] it's a nice compliment."
The 44-year-old also dismissed claims that he had based his performance as Willy Wonka in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory on Michael Jackson, although he joked that he may one day play the pop legend in a TV movie.
From Babs at Johnny Depp Admierers
An unconfirmed Rumor has it that the premiere of Sweeney Todd in Paris may be postponed due to Tim Burton needing to be in NYC to receive an award.
Photo complements of Chocolat - Johnny at St. Ormonds with the children (see story below)
From the Telegram
Johnny Depp’s sittin’ pretty on Starmeter’s list
Jim Keogh Film Clips
Johnny Depp
How do you know when you’ve made it in your profession? Perhaps you get a promotion, or a substantial raise. Maybe when you walk down the hallway, people turn and say, “There goes Frank Brewer, the best CPA to ever interpret a tax code.”
The threshold is different if you’re a TV or movie actor. There are awards to be won, of course. If you die with an Oscar on your mantle, the lead in your obituary will inevitably be, “Academy Award-winning actor (fill in the blank) died today …”
Big-name actors also keep score in other ways. Who earns the gaudiest paycheck, who has the most pimped-out trailer on any given movie set, who can get a director fired for “creative differences.”
And then there are the “power” lists, compilations put together by Hollywood observers detailing who wields real influence in the industry. The late great Premiere magazine’s annual list of the top 100 movers and shakers was the gold standard. Many names — of studio chieftains, high-powered producers and other assorted rainmakers — were probably unfamiliar to most people, but others, like Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Jim Carrey routinely appeared in the upper echelon.
Celebs will often say inclusion on such lists doesn’t matter, but they lie. That’s like a professional athlete insisting he doesn’t care if he’s named to an All-Star team when in reality he craves the respect and attention. Outsized egos require care and nurturing the way fat bellies need feeding.
So I suspect there are some actors today either reveling or reeling in the aftermath of IMDB.com’s Starmeter Top 25 for 2007.
The popular Web site, the self-described “Earth’s biggest movie database,” tracks how many hits a celebrity’s name has received throughout the past year. If a particular actor attracts a lot of online traffic, that means people want to know more (maybe everything) about him or her — personal information, what movie project is next, how they look in red-carpet photos. It’s the online equivalent of the People’s Choice Awards.
That’s no small thing.
Consider that in 2006 Scottish actor Gerard Butler was a sturdy if unremarkable presence on the movie scene, best known for his starring role in the film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera.” Then last year, Butler did hundreds of stomach crunches, donned a red cape and became Sparta’s King Leonidas in the popular “300,” which has vaulted him from “uncharted” to 14th on IMDB’s Starmeter.
Certainly the list has a “Who’s hot right now” feel about it. Two stars of the “High School Musical” movies, Zac Ephron (No. 7) and Vanessa Anne Hudgens (No. 20), are there. So are Jessica Alba (No. 6) and Hayden Panettiere (an astonishing No. 3), the indestructible cheerleader from “Heroes.” Remember, this is a Starmeter, not a Talentmeter. Check back in a few years and you’ll likely find a couple of these names have dropped off.
It was a Harry Potter year, with the release of “The Order of the Phoenix,” which means Daniel Radcliffe (No. 17) has maintained a spot on the list. The boy wizard’s coattails are long — costar Emma Watson logged in at 22.
Katherine Heigle (No. 18) had a breakout year, winning an Emmy for “Grey’s Anatomy” and showing off her comic chops in “Knocked Up.”
Some of the inclusions don’t surprise.
Will Smith (No. 23), Bruce Willis (No. 16), Leonardo DiCaprio (No. 11), Tom Cruise (No. 10), Angelina Jolie (No. 5) and Brad Pitt (No. 2) always seem to crop up on these sort of lists even in years when they haven’t starred in a major movie. Credit goes to the public’s eternal fascination with these folks’ private lives that transcends their professional output. Cruise (“Lions for Lambs”) and Pitt (“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”) may have headlined a couple of box-office flops, but, hey, it’s Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. They look good and do stuff.
Rachel McAdams (No. 24), Keira Knightley (No. 15) and Jessica Biel (No. 12) made the cut. They’re all beautiful, of course, though only Knightley (“Atonement”) appears to have earned her place more on her acting ability than public interest in whom she’s dating.
I like that old-timer Al Pacino scrambled aboard at Number 25. Rehab queen Lindsay Lohan (No. 8) proved there’s no such thing as bad publicity.
No. 1 this year? Johnny Depp, who has occupied the top spot for four years running. Depp’s starring roles in “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” have made this a particularly strong year for him. Yet Depp has also proven adept at moving between mainstream blockbusters and smaller, quirky films, allowing him to maintain his indy credibility (he also keeps his private life private).
The guy is good every time out of the box, worthy of being anointed as the people’s choice. But he’d better watch out for Gerard Butler.
From the Press Association
Johnny meets fans at film premiereJohnny Depp chatted with fans lining the red carpet at the premiere of his eagerly-anticipated new film. Despite heavy rain, hundreds of people queued in London's Leicester Square, which was decked out with Gothic-style lampposts and hanging lights for the occasion, to wait for the heart-throb actor to appear.
Depp stars alongside Helena Bonham-Carter and Alan Rickman in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street, his sixth collaboration with director Tim Burton.
Asked why he thought the pairing between the two was so successful, Depp merely pointed at Burton and said: "Tim. Tim is what makes it special, I love to work with him."
Sweeney Todd is the gore-filled musical tale of a murderous London barber bent on revenge and his landlady, Mrs Lovett, who decides to dispose of bodies by putting them into pies. Bonham-Carter, who appeared in a red silk ruched dress, found she was pregnant with her second child while filming. "I wouldn't recommend it," she said. "It was hard work because I couldn't drink any caffeine and we would start work at 5am.
"I would have to concentrate and it was difficult, especially when I was suffering with morning sickness."
But her partner, Burton, had nothing but praise for her, despite the tough audition process she underwent to get the role.
"I was a bit like Simon Cowell," he joked. "But, to be fair, she put in a beautiful performance. She was right for the role - that made it very easy to cast her in the end."
From USA Today
Post-Globes, there's still an Oscar race to run
By Scott Bowles
Although Sunday's Golden Globes ceremony was canceled, a win still has value. USA TODAY looks at who gathered steam — and who lost some — in the sprint to the Oscar nominations Jan. 22.
Best drama/comedy•Atonement/Sweeney Todd. Both movies have done middling boxoffice business and needed the boosts in their pursuit of a best-picture Oscar nomination. Atonement was a surprise winner over Joel and Ethan Coen's No Country for Old Men, and Sweeney Todd proved a surprise victor over Juno, which is doing gangbuster business. Though Country and Atonement are considered near locks for best-picture nominations, Todd's victory makes for a tantalizing race: The academy tends to choose just one musical or comedy.
Actress in a drama/comedy
•Julie Christie/Marion Cotillard. Her heartbreaking Alzheimer's patient in Away From Her made Christie an early Oscar contender when the movie was released in May. Cotillard's portrayal of Edith Piaf in La Vie en Rose puts her in the rare position of being an Oscar front-runner in a film virtually no one has seen. She would have benefited most from a gracious acceptance speech that won over Oscar voters not keen on subtitled French films. Both are considered front-runners in the Oscar race, though the best-actress category is considered much more wide-open than for best actor.
From HollywoodScoop
Saint Johnny Depp
January 14, 2008
Johnny DeppJohnny Depp's heart is as big as his bank account. Last night Johnny paid a visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital and donated £1 million of his own money to the hospital as a thank you for saving his daughters life.
Last week Depp invited 5 doctors from the hospital to join him at the London premiere of 'Sweeney Todd.'
"It was the most frightening thing we have ever been through. It was hell. But the magic is that she pulled through beautifully. Great Ormond Street was terrific, a great hospital." Depp has said about the experience.
On November 29th, Depp had his Jack Sparrow costume from 'Pirates of the Caribbean' flown in so he can play dress up and read bedtime stories to the young patients. Isn't that the cutest thing ever? Depp just earned extra extra extra brownie points!
From the Daily Mail
Johnny Depp's £1m gift for Great Ormond Street, the hospital that saved his daughter's life
By RICHARD SIMPSON - More by this author » Last updated at 00:55am on 15th January 2008Comments Comments
Johnny Depp secretly visited Great Ormond Street Hospital yesterday to donate £1 million of his own money to thank staff for saving his daughter's life.He arrived unexpectedly at the London children's hospital where eight-year-old Lily-Rose was treated last year when her kidneys failed.
Last week he invited five Great Ormond Street doctors and nurses to the party for the London premiere of his film Sweeney Todd.And on November 29, unknown to the public, Depp spent four hours at the hospital telling bedtime stories to patients dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow after having his Pirates Of The Caribbean costume flown over from Los Angeles.
In March last year, Lily-Rose spent nine days at Great Ormond Street after E.coli poisoning led to the failure of her kidneys.
She is said to have contracted the bug while staying with Depp, 43, and her mother Vanessa Paradis, 34, in a rented mansion in Richmond, Surrey, while he filmed Sweeney Todd.
Filming at Pinewood in Buckinghamshire had to be halted as her conditioned worsened so much it was feared she might not live.
Depp, who was yesterday named best actor in a musical at the Golden Globes for his role in Sweeney Todd, later said of the scare: "It was the most frightening thing we have ever been through. It was hell.
"But the magic is that she pulled through beautifully. Great Ormond Street was terrific, a great hospital."
Disney, which made the Pirates Of The Caribbean films, will also today donate £10million to Great Ormond Street, which needs to raise £170million in five years to re-develop two-thirds of the hospital site.
Meanwhile, Sweeney Todd director Tim Burton says he is finally planning to tie the knot with Helena Bonham Carter.
The pair met when Burton directed the English actress in Planet Of The Apes seven years ago.
They now have two children together and have knocked through the wall that separated their adjoining London homes.
Burton, 49, whose Sweeney Todd has just won best film musical and best actor in a musical for Johnny Depp at the Golden Globes, told the Radio Times magazine: "Helena and I feel so married we never got around to doing it, but I'm thinking about it. I'm a late bloomer."
The couple had a daughter, born in December, to join their son, four-year-old Billy.
Bonham Carter, 41, who previously dated Kenneth Branagh, has appeared in Burton's movies Big Fish and Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.
From PEOPLE
Jan. 13, 2008 | 10:00 PM EST
Atonement, Sweeney Todd Take Home Golden Globes
Plus, Daniel Day-Lewis, Javier Bardem and Cate Blanchett are winners at a scaled-down broadcast
By Brian Orloff
Tim Burton's macabre musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street won big at the 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards, announced during a live press conference from Hollywood on Sunday, while the film's star, Johnny Depp, picked up best actor in movie comedy or musical.Atonement, a leading contender with seven nominations, was named best motion picture drama. And Daniel Day-Lewis picked up the best actor in a movie drama category for his commanding performance in the historical Western There Will Be Blood.
Usually characterized by free-flowing champagne, off-the-cuff speeches and glamorous parties, the Golden Globe Awards often serve as a predictor for the Academy Awards. (The Oscar nominations will be announced Jan. 22.) This year, though, the show was stripped of its pomp and glitz – due to the continuing Writers Guild of America strike. With no nominees in attendance, the awards were announced during a live press conference by a panel of TV hosts and journalists.
Surprises in Store
Flying by in 30 minutes, the broadcast offered several major surprises. One big upset: Marion Cotillard was named best actress in a movie comedy or musical. (Many speculated that Juno's Ellen Page would walk away with the award.) Cotillard's victory was for her portrayal of the late French monument, singer Edith Piaf, in the biopic La Vie En Rose.For Billy Bush, a host of NBC's edition of the telecast, Cate Blanchett's win (for best supporting actress in I'm Not There) was a surprise. The host announced his preference – Amy Ryan for Gone Baby Gone – while remarking on Blanchett's Bob Dylan-inspired performance, "At the end of the day, it's a woman imitating a man."
And while no celebrities were on hand to offer acceptance speeches, presenter Giuliana Rancic offered one of the evening's most memorable quips. Before announcing several awards, the television host said, "I never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd be up here. First, I want to say I support the WGA – and no, not because without the strike there would be no way I would ever be standing up here at the Golden Globes presenting."
No Country for Old Men's Javier Bardem was named best supporting actor. In a statement, the grateful star expressed his thanks, saying, "It is a great honor to have been recognized with this award in a time when there are so many outstanding performances in this category."
Other big winners: Ricky Gervais's Extras was named best TV comedy series, and 30 Rock's Tina Fey was awarded best TV comedy series actress. For the dramas, newbie Mad Men was named best TV drama series.
No Glitz, No Parties
With all official parties canceled, what would all the nominees be doing Sunday night? Days earlier, many confessed they were anticipating watching the press conference from home – or just tuning into other programs.Nominee George Clooney's rep Stan Rosenfield joshed that the actor would be "watching Bonanza on color television," while Juno star Allison Janney told PEOPLE that she was considering catching the special with her castmates. Said Janney: "If something good happens we can all go out and spontaneously celebrate somewhere." (Janney and her cast could stay put, though; Sweeney Todd won best motion picture comedy or musical.)
From the Insider Online
Johnny Depp Calls Golden Globe Win 'Humbling'
Posted January 14, 2008 11:03:00 AM
Johnny Depp reacts to his GG win."The Insider" has the latest...
"I would like to thank my beloved friends at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for bestowing such an honor on me," 'Sweeney Todd''s JOHNNY DEPP said of his Golden Globe win for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -- Comedy or Musical.
"It is a humbling experience, especially in the company of such talent. For many years the HFPA has supported my work and for that I have always been truly grateful. While this is indeed a happy day for me, I am overjoyed at the recognition the film as a whole is receiving. TIM [BURTON] is a dear friend and a true artist whose vision and skill inspire us all. He is a genius. Without his unwavering trust and support, I would not be anywhere near where I am today. Also, big thanks and respect to HELENA [BONHAM CARTER], whose simply staggering performance as Mrs. Lovett is a wonder to behold. I must send a behemoth salute to the wonderful crew and cast of 'Sweeney Todd' and all at Dreamworks/Paramount and Warner Bros. Pictures. In addition, I'd also like to extend my sincere gratitude to, first and foremost, my cherished friend and agent of forever ago, TRACEY JACOBS; the extraordinary man and producer, RICHARD ZANUCK; the mastermind STEPHEN SONDHEIM; and, of course, my precious family, VANESSA, LILY-ROSE and JACK, for all of their love, support and pure and absolute happiness everyday. Overall, I believe it to be a proud achievement for everyone involved and on behalf of us all, I thank you."
From YahooNews Reuters
"Sweeney Todd" wins Golden Globe(more of the latest images are HERE)
By Bob Tourtellotte Reuters - Monday, January 14 03:41 amBEVERLY HILLS, California (Reuters) - Film romance "Atonement" and movie musical "Sweeney Todd" claimed the top honours at the strike-plagued Golden Globe Awards on Sunday in a bare-bones news conference that lacked the usual Hollywood glamour.
(Advertisement)"Atonement," a World War Two epic about two lovers torn apart by a family betrayal and the conflict in Europe, won the Golden Globe honour for best film drama, and claimed a second award for best original score.
"Sweeney Todd," which was based on the popular stage show about a vengeance-seeking barber, also won two of the most coveted awards -- best film musical and best actor in a musical for Johnny Depp, who starred as the barber.
In other film categories, Daniel Day-Lewis was named best actor in a drama for his portrayal of a hardscrabble oil prospector who gains enormous wealth in "There Will Be Blood," and fellow Briton Julie Christie was best dramatic actress playing an Alzheimer's disease sufferer in "Away From Her."
French actress Marion Cotillard won the Golden Globe as best actress in a movie musical for her role as legendary singer Edith Piaf in the subtitled biopic "La Vie En Rose."
The film awards given out by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association are a key stop on the road to the world
From MTV
Jan 13 2008 10:37 PM EST
Johnny Depp, 'No Country For Old Men' Are Big Winners At Downsized Golden GlobesBEVERLY HILLS, California — Instead of Nicholson, Jolie and hundreds of stars, the ballroom at the Beverly Hilton opened its doors to "The Insider," "Entertainment Tonight" and hundreds of journalists. Instead of striding the red carpet in Versace and Donna Karan, stars stayed home resplendent in sweatpants and pajama bottoms. But for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the motto of the evening was "The show must go on."
The 65th annual Golden Globe Awards went off without a hitch, even if, among others, they didn't boast the man who actually played Hitch. Normally Hollywood's biggest party of the year, the Golden Globes forfeited their usual ceremony and instead broadcast a stripped-down news conference, hoping to appease writers who promised to picket the awards show if it were put on as usual. It didn't matter. Ending in solidarity and support with the ongoing writers' strike, not a single actor or actress showed up to the awards.
"As you all know, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association could not present the awards this year in a ceremony," HFPA President Jorge Camara said by way of an introduction. "We all hope that the writers' strike will be over soon so that everybody can go back to making great movies and television shows."
Although they boycotted the ceremony, many stars nevertheless came up big winners, including Johnny Depp, who after eight nominations finally won his first Golden Globe as best actor in a comedy or musical for "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," directed by frequent collaborator Tim Burton. "Sweeney Todd" also won for best comedy or musical.
Also winning big was "No Country for Old Men," which took home two awards: best screenplay (Joel and Ethan Coen) and best supporting actor (Javier Bardem). In a night full of surprises, however, the biggest surprise might very well have been that the critically acclaimed flick did not win either best director or best drama. The former honor went to Julian Schnabel for "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," while the latter award went to "Atonement," which only took home two awards from its seven nominations.
The night's biggest loser, however, might very well have been "Juno," the coming-of-age comedy about a pregnant teen. Nominated for a slew of awards — including best musical or comedy, best screenplay (Diablo Cody) and best actress (Ellen Page) — the flick didn't win a single Globe despite being heavily favored in several categories.
While Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder's "Into the Wild" soundtrack didn't win for best original score, his tune "Guaranteed" from the Sean Penn-directed flick did take home the prize for best original song.
The ceremony itself was a brisk 29 minutes, a far cry from the typically bloated affair the Globes have come to represent. (If you found yourself longing for the over-the-top affair and its typically cheesy song spoofs, check out "Gimme Globes," our ode to red-carpet music set to the tune of Britney Spears' "Gimme More.) Announcing the awards were several entertainment journalists, including Lara Spencer from "The Insider," Brooke Anderson from CNN's "Showbiz Tonight" and Mary Hart from "Entertainment Tonight."
"I just want to point out that all of us announcing the awards are not major movie stars," Spencer joked, acknowledging what she called "the elephant in the room."
Here is a complete list of winners:
» Best Motion Picture - Drama: "Atonement"
» Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama: Julie Christie, "Away From Her"
» Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama: Daniel Day- Lewis, "There Will Be Blood"
» Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
» Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: Marion Cotillard - "La Vie en Rose"
» Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: Johnny Depp, "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
» Best Animated Feature Film: "Ratatouille"
» Best Foreign Language Film: "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
» Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Cate Blanchett, "I'm Not There"
» Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men"
» Best Director - Motion Picture: Julian Schnabel, "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
» Best Screenplay - Motion Picture: Ethan Coen & Joel Coen, "No Country for Old Men"
» Best Original Score - Motion Picture: Dario Marianelli, "Atonement"
» Best Original Song - Motion Picture: Eddie Vedder, "Guaranteed" from "Into The Wild"
» Best Television Series - Drama: "Mad Men"
» Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy: "Extras"
» Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama: Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"
» Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama: Glenn Close, "Damages"
» Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy: David Duchovny, "Californication"
» Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy: Tina Fey, "30 Rock"
» Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Jeremy Piven, "Entourage"
» Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Samantha Morton, "Longford"
» Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: "Longford"
» Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Jim Broadbent, "Longford"
» Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Queen Latifah, "Life Support"
From Inquierer
Johnny Depp wins Golden Globe musical actor prize
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 10:32:00 01/14/2008
BEVERLY HILLS, California--Johnny Depp earned the first Golden Globes award of his career Sunday, winning best actor in a musical or comedy prize for his portrayal of a cut-throat barber in "Sweeney Todd."It was a case of eighth time lucky for "Pirates of the Caribbean" star Depp, who had been nominated at the Globes on seven previous occasions only to come away empty-handed.
Other nominees included Ryan Gosling for "Lars and the Real Girl," Tom Hanks in "Charlie Wilson's War," Philip Seymour Hoffman in "The Savages" and John C. Reilly in "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story."
Johnny Depp has won the Golden Globe Award for Best Male in a Comedy or Musical!
Congratulations, Johnny!
Sweeney Tood: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street has won the Golden Globe for the Best Picture Comedy or Musical .
From Page Six
Johnny Depp Reveals His Anguish
Posted Fri. Jan. 11, 2008 9:48pm by Megan LynnIf it seems like Johnny Depp's pain as wronged barber Sweeney Todd is real, that's because it is.
While many actors draw on past experiences to convey emotions in character, Johnny tells the UK's Mirror that when his daughter was sick during the filming of the dark musical, he had no choice.
"Yeah, it's horrible. I can't watch it," he said, adding that his face looked like a "rictus of pain."
Eight-year-old Lily-Rose, Depp's daughter with partner Vanessa Paradis, was rushed to the hospital in March with an undisclosed illness, shutting down Sweeney production.
Johnny said of the difficult time, "You can't broom out your head," on set. "You certainly can't broom out your heart...and everything shows in the eyes."
"So whatever you're feeling in your life, trying to avoid it is some kind of weird obstacle course that there's no way to win. So when it's there, it's there," Depp concluded.
All's well that ends well for Johnny and co. (he and Vanessa also have a son, Jack, who's 5). The 44-year-old actor is nominated for a Best Actor Golden Globe (the outcome of which will be announced at a thrilling Sunday night news conference!), and his daughter has a clean bill of health.
From Metro
Hanks to 'give Oscar to Depp'
by LESLEY O'TOOLE - Thursday, January 10, 2008
(excerpt of a little tongue-in-cheek interview with Tom Hanks)Tom Hanks is arguably America's most popular actor. He won two Oscars in succession for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. Charlie Wilson's War, his latest film, is based on a best-selling book about Wilson, a Texan politician who persuaded the CIA to launch its largest ever covert operation to help the Afghan Mujahideen fighting Soviet invaders in the 1980s.
There’s talk of you getting a sixth Oscar nomination for this.
Sure, you bet. Bring it on. Oscar season begins earlier and earlier every year. Who’s going to win? I’m going to give it to Johnny Depp right now. I haven’t seen Sweeney Todd but I’ve seen the poster and it’s fantastic.
The Culture Show
BBC2
Time: 19:20 to 20:10 (50 minutes long).
When: Saturday 19th January
New series with Lauren Laverne. Superstar comic Chris Rock gives a rare interview to Lauren Laverne. Mark Kermode gets another coup: an equally rare interview with Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton about their film version of Sweeney Todd. The Coen brothers talk about their acclaimed new film No Country for Old Men, a modern Western. Andrew Graham-Dixon spends a night at the House of the Future, with a talking fridge, mood-based lighting and robotic furniture.Film 2008 with Jonathan Ross
BBC One
Time: 23:05 to 23:35 (30 minutes long).
When: Tuesday 22nd January
The latest film news and reviews. Jonathan meets Johnny Depp and Tim Burton, who discuss their latest collaboration, Sweeney Todd, a bloodthirsty but brilliant film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's stage musical about the infamous demon barber of Fleet Street
From ITNDepp makes the cut with fans
Fri Jan 11 2008
Hollywood star Johnny Depp greeted a crowd of screaming fans as he hit the red carpet for the premiere of his latest film.
Hundreds of people turned out in the rain to catch a glimpse of the star who was in London's Leicester Square to unveil his gruesome tale, Sweeney Todd.
Depp is joined on screen by Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman, in the film directed by Tim BurtonDepp is joined on screen by Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman, in the film directed by Tim Burton.
The movie is an adaptation of a hit stage musical and tells the story of The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, bent on revenge, and his landlady, Mrs Lovett, who decides to dispose of bodies by putting them into pies.
The film has already notched up Golden Globe nominations for best actor, actress, director and picture.
Burton's adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's 1979 hit musical marked Depp's first attempt to sing on screen.
He said: "It's a bit like jumping into cold water, there's no preparing, you just do it.
"So I just tried my best to not disappoint Tim or Stephen Sondheim."
Bonham-Carter, who appeared in a red silk ruched dress, found she was pregnant with her second child while filming.
"I wouldn't recommend it," she said. "It was hard work because I couldn't drink any caffeine and we would start work at 5am.
"I would have to concentrate and it was difficult, especially when I was suffering with morning sickness."
But her partner, Burton, had nothing but praise for her, despite the tough audition process she underwent to get the role.
"I was a bit like Simon Cowell," he joked. "But, to be fair, she put in a beautiful performance. She was right for the role - that made it very easy to cast her in the end.
The film, which has been tipped for Oscar glory following its opening in the US, also features Alan Rickman, Ali G and Borat creator Sacha Baron Cohen and Timothy Spall.
Depp and Burton have collaborated on several films together including 1990's Edward Scissorhands and more recently on a remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The film will hit cinemas across the UK on January 26.
From PopSugar
Johnny Depp Is a Musical Rolling Stone
Wed, 01/09/2008 - 5:00pm by Molly 1,138 Views
Johnny Depp, your four-years running People's Choice Favorite Male Movie Star, showed off that chest that makes the ladies swoon on the cover of Rolling Stone. In the magazine, the topic at hand is his musical career rather than acting, since he made such a splash showing off his pipes in Sweeney Todd. Plus, he's been playing the guitar since he was a kid. Here are highlights:How did listening to music become making music?
When I was twelve, I talked my mom into picking up a Decca electric guitar for me for twenty-five dollars. It had a little blue plush amp. And then, this is horrible, the first thing I did was steal a Mel Bay chord book. I went to this store, stuffed it down my pants and walked out. It had pictures — that's why I needed it so badly, because it was immediate gratification. If I could match those photographs, then I was golden. I conquered it in days. I locked the bedroom door, didn't leave, and taught myself how to play chords. I started learning songs by ear.
To read more from Johnny about his first band and finding his passion, just read more.
What was your first band?
When I was about thirteen, I got together with some other kids in the neighborhood. This one guy had a bass, we knew a guy who had a PA system, we made our own lights. It was really ramshackle and great. We'd play at people's backyard parties. Everything from the Beatles to Led Zeppelin to Cheap Trick to Devo — and "Johnny B. Goode" was the closer.
You've got that wistful look in your eyes.
You're thirteen years old and you're playing rock & roll. Loud. Poorly. But somebody's letting you do it in their back yard. And it was absolute perfection. It was freedom. Right off the bat, there was no question: I had found my future.
Once a performer, always a performer. And it sounds like the world just can't get enough of Mr. Depp. Time to get the old band back together?
From IB News
For Johnny Depp, there are films and Tim Burton films
By Mike Collett-white
Posted 10 January 2008 @ 09:12 am ESTLONDON - For Johnny Depp, there are films and there are Tim Burton films. The Hollywood actor has teamed up with director Burton for the sixth time in "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street", a blood-spattered adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's musical that has impressed the critics.
Actor Johnny Depp (L) and director Tim Burton pose for photographers as fans wave and take photos at a red carpet event in Tokyo January 8, 2008. REUT...
Article TagsThe New York Times' A.O. Scott called it "something close to a masterpiece", and Depp, as a pale-faced 19th century serial killer out for revenge, has been singled out for a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination and early Oscar buzz.
"There are films that you do that you have enjoyed and the process is fantastic and the directors are great," Depp told Reuters in a recent interview to promote the movie.
"And then there are the phone calls that you get from Tim," added the 44-year-old, sitting alongside Burton and wearing his trademark rimmed hat and glasses.
"That is a magical moment for me when the phone rings from Tim, because you know you are about to embark on something very very interesting," he said, sipping red wine in a suite in London's upmarket Claridge's hotel.
The star of the hit "Pirates of the Caribbean" series, who has a reputation as an offbeat actor with box office clout, believes "Sweeney Todd" was as big a challenge as any during a career spanning more than 20 years.
"It's an obtuse situation to be in when, at the ripe old age of 43, you find yourself suddenly trying to sing songs all the way through for the first time in your life," Depp said.
"It's to say the least absurd and it was an odd feeling. So initially just hearing myself doing it, I was embarrassed..."
He overcame his qualms, and, despite being "no Sammy Davis, Jr." and "no Frank Sinatra" in Burton's words, convinced the movie's backers that he could pull it off.
From PR Inside
DEPP PERSUADED TO BECOME STAR BY PAL CAGE
2008-01-10 08:58:47 -
JOHNNY DEPP was persuaded to become an actor by NICOLAS CAGE - as the profession was an easy way of making money.The Pirates Of The Caribbean star admits he had no intention of turning to acting until his friend Cage suggested he might be able to carve out a career on the big screen.
And Depp later landed his movie debut in horror movie Nightmare On Elm Street in 1984.He tells Rolling Stone magazine, "Nic said, 'Why don't you try acting? I think you could probably do it.' I remember saying, 'I'll try anything, man. I gotta live without calling home and begging for money.' "So I met his agent, and she sent me to read for a movie (Nightmare on Elm Street), and they hired me.
"I never wanted to be an actor. It just seemed like a good way to make easy money. I didn't care what the movies were. If you were going to pay me, fine.
That was my philosophy."
From Rolling Stone
Johnny Depp Sings
After belting for the first time in "Sweeney Todd," Depp rocks out on his life in musicGAVIN EDWARDSPosted Jan 09, 2008 5:46 AM
Attend the tale of Johnny Depp: still Hollywood's most perverse superstar, he has followed up the family-friendly Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy with Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, a buckets-of-blood saga of cannibalism that is also — gulp! — a musical. That's right, Depp sings for the first time ever onscreen, and critics are warbling his praises for tackling the notoriously difficult score from theater legend Stephen Sondheim. This gripping adaptation of the 1979 Broadway hit is the sixth movie Depp has done with director Tim Burton, for whom he's played misfits from Edward Scissorhands to Ed Wood. But a full-out musical is a first for both of them. And the pain-wracked intensity Depp brings to this London barber obsessed with revenge is sparking Oscar talk.Today Depp meets me in a suite at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. His jeans are ripped, and his black shirt is open at the neck to reveal a GONZO necklace, a tribute to his late friend, Hunter S. Thompson. Depp looks around the tastefully appointed room. "They've really done this place up," he says. "I lived in the Chateau for a while, years ago, and it was dingy but great. It was like they bought the couches from the Ramada Inn that was closed down by the Health Department in 1970." Depp has come a long way from his childhood in Kentucky, the youngest of four children. His parents — a waitress and a city engineer — moved more than twenty times while he was young, settling in Miramar, Florida, when he was seven, and divorcing when he was fifteen. These days, Depp, 44, and his family (French singer-actress Vanessa Paradis and their two children, Lily-Rose, 8, and Jack, 5) split their time between Los Angeles and the South of France.
Conversation with the quick-witted Depp can careen from whether new popes get their genitals cupped to ensure the leader of the Catholic Church is sufficiently male ("I think an elderly man waddles up to you and reaches under your dress") to his out-of-control life before he met Paradis ("I'm a dumb-ass, and I poisoned myself for years. Now I understand things better").
It's been seventeen years since Depp starred in Cry-Baby, the Fifties musical pastiche from John Waters, where his singing voice was dubbed. Since Depp performs his own songs in Sweeney Todd, it seemed like the right time to revisit his musical career and how it improbably led him to become one of the most compelling actors of his generation.
Was your family musical at all?
My mom and my dad weren't particularly musical, no. But I did have an uncle who was a preacher, and he played hillbilly bluegrass guitar. So Sunday church services, it was like, "Hallelujah, brothers and sisters," and then he would start picking "Stepping on the Clouds." That was where I got the bug: watching my uncle play the guitar with his little gospel group, right in front of me.
What was the first record you bought?
I don't know if I bought it, but the first record I remember listening to nonstop, oddly, was Dean Martin, Everybody Loves Somebody. And then Boots Randolph. And then the record album of Blackbeard's Ghost, with Peter Ustinov. I'd never seen the film — I didn't see it until I was in my late thirties. But I knew it verbatim. Slightly ironic. And then I turned that corner into preteen and I remember listening to Frampton Comes Alive! too much. My brother's ten years older than me. He grabbed the needle off the album and there was this horrific noise — wrrrraarrrar. He said, "Listen, man, you're killing me. Try this." And he put on Van Morrison's Astral Weeks. And it stirred me. I'd never heard anything like it. I said, "OK, maybe Frampton Comes Alive! is a little tired." Then my brother, very pleased with himself, started turning me on to other things, like the soundtrack to Last Tango in Paris.
Did you wonder why they didn't show the [X-rated] "Tango" on TV?
I was a little kid and it sounded good enough to me. I remember liking the image on the record album, of Brando and Maria Schneider, although I didn't quite understand it. It's a good bit to chew on when you're a kid. Now, thirty-some years later, it's still a pretty good bit to chew on. It's good stuff.
How did listening to music become making music?
When I was twelve, I talked my mom into picking up a Decca electric guitar for me for twenty-five dollars. It had a little blue plush amp. And then, this is horrible, the first thing I did was steal a Mel Bay chord book. I went to this store, stuffed it down my pants and walked out. It had pictures — that's why I needed it so badly, because it was immediate gratification. If I could match those photographs, then I was golden. I conquered it in days. I locked the bedroom door, didn't leave, and taught myself how to play chords. I started learning songs by ear.What was the first song you could play through?
Every kid with a guitar at that time, the first things that came up were almost always "Smoke on the Water," obviously, and "25 or 6 to 4," by Chicago. But the first song I played all the way through must have been "Stairway to Heaven." I remember getting through the fingerpicking and just cursing Jimmy Page.
What was your first band? When I was about thirteen, I got together with some other kids in the neighborhood. This one guy had a bass, we knew a guy who had a PA system, we made our own lights. It was really ramshackle and great. We'd play at people's backyard parties. Everything from the Beatles to Led Zeppelin to Cheap Trick to Devo — and "Johnny B. Goode" was the closer.
You've got that wistful look in your eyes.
You're thirteen years old and you're playing rock & roll. Loud. Poorly. But somebody's letting you do it in their back yard. And it was absolute perfection. It was freedom. Right off the bat, there was no question: I had found my future.
DO IT FOR JOHNNY - ONLINE
Do it for Johnny can be viewed online as part of the Cinequest Vuze Audience Favorites Competition. Voting begins NOW and will continue through February 14th, 2008 at 11:59pm PST. PLEASE FORWARD TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW SO THEY CAN VIEW AND VOTE FOR DO IT FOR JOHNNY!This is your chance to see Do it for Johnny, and support independent film by voting for us! Follow the simple steps below to view and vote on our film:
Open your web browser and navigate to www.vuze.com
Download the Vuze Client onto your computer(named Azureus – picture shown below)
Install and Open Azureus
Register with Vuze.
Navigate to the Cinequest Category (underVIDEO), then to WHAT’S NEW – and scroll to find DO IT FORJOHNNY.
Enjoy!The direct link to DO IT FOR JOHNNY is: http://www.vuze.com/details/I2BHGNXSF3LSZNKEN3MJLUXYWR24WHID.html
If you follow this film link in your browser, you will be sent to DO IT FOR JOHNNY’S film description page and will be prompted to install the Vuze Client (Azureus) on your computer in order to watch the film.
You can also go to http://www.vuze.com/channel/cinequest_film_festival
<http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe291574776c0d7f731270&ls=fdf311737162077a72177574&m=fefd157173650d&l=fe9015767161017973&s=fdf715737764007477137673&jb=ffcf14&t=> to view all of the films.
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From Emma found at Reuters
What is Johnny Depp made of? Frogs' legs!
Wed Jan 9, 2008 7:02 AM GMTTOKYO (Reuters) - In his latest movie role as the bloodthirsty Sweeney Todd, Johnny Depp compares the flavours of different types of human flesh.
But the actor says his own would taste of frogs' legs.
In Tokyo for the Japan premiere of the film, which has been nominated for four Golden Globes, Depp was asked to imagine what he would taste like to a cannibal.
"Frogs' legs," he told giggling reporters, adding that the taste might be a little bitter. "I would suggest deep-frying," he said.
Movie director Tim Burton thought for a while before saying he would taste of chicken, but Sweeney Todd producer Richard Zanuck had no hesitation in characterising his own flavour.
"Shark!" he replied to laughter.
In the movie, Depp plays a London barber who lures victims to his shop, where they are murdered and made into meat pies.
(Reporting by Isabel Reynolds)
From Yahoo News - Johnny Wins at People's Choice Awards
People's Choice Awards get around strikeWed Jan 9, 5:43 AM ET
LOS ANGELES - The stars of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" were among the fan favorites at the 34th annual People's Choice Awards on Tuesday, as CBS scrapped its usual live broadcast of the show in favor of a strike-friendly, pre-taped program.
ADVERTISEMENTThe two-month-old Writers Guild of America strike has taken a toll on Hollywood's awards season, leading to the cancellation of the Golden Globes and the scaling-down of People's Choice. The fate of other shows, including the Oscars, remains in question.
The People's Choice Awards announced last month that it would replace its traditional live show with "a new format" that had its crews deliver trophies to music, film and television stars on location.
Robin Williams accepted his award for favorite funny male while on tour with the United Service Organizations in Kabul, Afghanistan. Members of Rascal Flatts picked up their prize for favorite group at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, and Patrick Dempsey found out he was the favorite male TV star while at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.
The show couldn't be canceled entirely, host Queen Latifah said Monday.
"The thing about the People's Choice Awards that's different from everybody else is it's the people's choice," she said. "So as much as we actors and writers and everyone are dealing with the writers strike and supporting the Writers Guild, you can't disrespect the people who keep us working, and that's the people. Ten million people logged on and voted for everyone, so out of respect for them, we have to" present the awards.
Other winners in categories that spanned from movies to television to music included Johnny Depp of "Pirates" as favorite male movie star, Katherine Heigl of "Grey's" as favorite female TV star, "Dancing With the Stars" as favorite reality show, Ellen DeGeneres as favorite talk show host and Justin Timberlake as favorite male singer.
The complete list of winners follows:
Favorite Female TV Star: Katherine Heigl
Favorite Male TV Star: Patrick Dempsey
Favorite Talk Show Host: Ellen DeGeneres
Favorite Scene Stealer: Chandra Wilson
Favorite TV Drama: House
Favorite TV Comedy: Two and a Half Men
Favorite Reality Show: Dancing With the Stars
Favorite Game Show: Deal or No Deal
Favorite Sci Fi Show: Stargate Atlantis
Favorite Animated TV Show: The Simpsons
Favorite Female Movie Star: Reese Witherspoon
Favorite Male Movie Star: Johnny Depp
Favorite Leading Lady: Drew Barrymore
Favorite Leading Man: Joaquin Phoenix
Favorite Female Action Star: Keira Knightley
Favorite Male Action Star: Matt Damon
Favorite On-Screen Match Up: George Clooney and Brad Pitt
Favorite Movie: "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"
Favorite Movie Drama: "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
Favorite Movie Comedy: "Knocked Up"
Favorite Action Movie: "The Bourne Ultimatum"
Favorite Family Movie: "Shrek the Third"
Favorite Threequel: "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"
Favorite Independent Movie: "Becoming Jane"
Favorite Female Singer: Gwen Stefani
Favorite Male Singer: Justin Timberlake
Favorite Group: Rascal Flatts
Favorite Pop Song: Justin Timberlake "What Goes Around... Comes Around"
Favorite Rock Song: Daughtry "Home"
Favorite Country Song: Rascal Flatts "Stand"
Favorite Hip Hop Song: Timbaland feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake "Give it to Me"
Favorite R&B Song: Rhianna "Shut Up & Drive"
Favorite Song from a Soundtrack: "You Can't Stop the Beat" from Hairspray
Favorite Reunion Tour: The Police
Favorite Funny Male: Robin Williams
Favorite Funny Female: Ellen DeGeneres
From NTDTV
(video on web site)
Johnny Depp Arrives in Tokyo
Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:42:00
NTDTVWONG:
Hollywood star Johnny Depp arrived in Japan on Tuesday to promote his latest musical movie, "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," which hits Japanese theaters later this month. He was greeted by some very excited fans that had been waiting as long as two days to get a glimpse of the star.STORY:
Depp, one of this year's Golden Globes award nominees, arrived at Narita International Airport near Tokyo after Golden Globe organizers' canceled the usual gala ceremony this weekend due to a Hollywood writers' strike.Hundreds of fans screamed and waved at the 44-year-old star after his private jet landed from Los Angeles. With Japan's state-of-the-art mobile phone cameras and movie recorders in their hands, many fans were emotional.
[Yasue Takezawa, 21]:
"I cannot describe my feelings. I showed my Johnny doll to him, and then he pointed his finger at it and smiled."[Aya Ogata, 19]:
"I waited here for two days. But it was worth it."[Syuri Tsukada, 16]:
"He was so cool. He looked so unique that I could feel his aura."Reiko Shibuya flew 1,000 kilometers from Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido with her 16-year-old daughter for this moment.
[Shibuya, 43]:
"This is my dream-come-true. Now my daughter and I can finally return to my hometown."In the remake of a three-hour stage musical, Depp plays arguably his most challenging film role yet -- an all-singing character as the serial-killing barber Sweeney Todd. It’s directed by long-time collaborator Tim Burton
From Functionpix
Johnny Depp and Kierra Knightly support Golden Globes boycott
Hollywood Oscars are under threat as studios lose $millions
Article by Patricia Harper
Tuesday 8th January 2008, 17:31If you know of an event in your area, let Functionpix know – we cover all events, functions, parties, news and special occasions and sell stories, pictures and video to all attendees – www.functionpix.com – the fastest growing online community of freelance creative writers, photographers and journalists
Hollywood actors are standing firmly behind the writers that are striking to abort the Golden Globe awards which was due to be staged in Hollywood on January 13th – instead a press conference will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverley Hills, California.
The conflict has seen 90% of Hollywood writers striking for more than 2 months forcing the cancellation of the annual Golden Globe Awards telecast after gaining support from a large group of movie and television actors who refused to appear on the show.
the Writers Guild of America are claiming a victory, writers are in the 10th week of a strike against film and TV studios over pay for work used on the Internet. The cancellation raises questions about the Feb. 24 Oscars telecast by Walt Disney Co.'s ABC.
the awards, honoring the year's best film and TV performances are staged by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, announced the decision yesterday in an e-mailed statement. The program was set to air Jan. 13 on General Electric Co.'s NBC.
The US film industry are talking of major concerns for the staging of the Oscars which are due to take place in Hollywood in two months time – Donald McIntyre of Paramount pictures said “If this problem doesn’t get resolved soon, we will be looking at one of the worst disputes that Hollywood has ever seen”.
``The Golden Globes has always been a bellwether for the Oscars,'' he said “Heads will roll if this doesn’t sort itself out”.
Writers walked off the job on Nov. 5. They are trying to pressure studios to return to the negotiating table by forcing studios to enter into separate agreements and by denying the Golden Globes a waiver to use writers and film clips for a televised show, they’re message is being delivered loud and clear.
David Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants, have reached a separate labour agreement with United Artists, the film studio led by actor Tom Cruise and his partner, Paula Wagner.
Letterman returned to the air on Jan. 2 with CBS Corp. together with his writers, while Jay Leno returned to NBC on the same date without his writing staff.
Talks between the guild and the studios' negotiating unit, the Association of Motion Picture broke down when they last met on Dec. 7.
Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Los Angeles Economic Develop Corp and Television Producers, said that the strike has cost the Southern California economy $1.4 billion.
According to Kyser. That includes $179.6 million in lost pay to writers and $309.6 million in lost wages to other unionised workers in the industry.
The Screen Actors Guild said last week that its members would honor picket lines at the Golden Globes.
The cancellation will add to the strike's economic impact. The Golden Globes generate $50 million to $70 million in local spending, according to. The Academy Awards ceremony adds about $130 million to the economy, he said.
The figures are based on an estimate of employees' lost spending power and lower studio expenditures with small businesses such as caterers, he said.
``A lot of these firms are struggling to stay in the business,'' Kyser said.
Shares in General Electric, based in Fairfield, Connecticut, fell 11 cents to $36.08 at 10:43 a.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. Before today, it had declined 10 percent since the strike began. Disney, with headquarters in Burbank, California, gained 22 cents to $31.38 and is down 8.1 percent since the walkout.
The situation could be made a lot worse by the news released today and again in the future if the problem is not resolved at the time when the Oscars are due to take place. A spokesman said that a return to work is expected after the next round of talks where both parties hope to reach a compromise.
Next rounds of talks are due to take place on Jan 17th in Los Angeles
From Female First
Race For The Oscars Part 2
08-01-2008 14:29
(excerpt)
The musical really is back with a bang as the successful partnership of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, with the help of Helena Bonham Carter, rolls out another picture.It really is about time that Burton and Depp were recognised by the Academy, Burton in particular is yet to receive a Best Director nomination which doesn't inspire much confidence.
But this adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's musical could be the surprise package that causes the major upset.
Depp is back as another off the wall character, what he does so well, Sweeney Todd/Benjamin Barker who, after being unjustly imprisoned for fifteen years, is back in London in search of revenge.
This is a very dark musical horror and the fact that it is a musical may be it's downfall as Chicago won Best Picture in 2003.
The Golden Globes will be the best indicator as to were the awards will go. The Oscar nominations will be announced on 22nd January.
From INT
Depp takes Sweeney Todd to Japan
Tue Jan 08 2008
Hollywood star Johnny Depp wowed fans as he touched down in Japan to promote his new film Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.Hundreds of screaming fans waited for hours at Narita airport near Tokyo to catch a glimpse of the Pirates of the Caribbean star.
The movie sees Depp team up with director Tim Burton once again for the murderous musicalDepp plays a serial-killing barber in a grim story of revenge set on the grimy streets of 19th Century London.
The movie sees Depp team up with director Tim Burton once again for the murderous musical.
The pair have worked on several films together including 1990's Edward Scissorhands and more recently on a remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The film also stars Burton's other long-time collaborator and real-life fiancée Helena Bonham-Carter, who gave birth to the couple's second son last December.
(More photos on the Sweeney Todd Premiere's pages)
From the LA Times/The Envelope
NBC reveals scaled back Golden Globes broadcast
The network plans to use its news shows to circumvent writers' strike.
John Horn, Times Staff Writer
January 7, 2008NBC sent this e-mail to the movie studios Monday, outlining its plans for Sunday's Golden Globes:
"At 9 pm [EST] there will be a press conference covered by NBC News announcing the Golden Globe winners. (9pm-10pm)
At 8 pm, we are negotiating with Dick Clark Enterprises for a one-hour retrospective/clip show.
At 7 pm we will air a Dateline with clips and interviews with nominees. (Currently scheduled to air for two hours on Saturday night.)
At 10 pm we will broadcast an "Access Hollywood" style, Golden Globes party show...visiting the various parties in Hollywood."
More news:
Bare-bones press event to replace lavish Globes ceremony.
HFPA: No Globes dinner, just press conference.
From Yahoo News
Golden Globes cancels traditional show
January 7, 2008
By LYNN ELBER, AP Television WriterLOS ANGELES - The Golden Globes and NBC agreed Monday to scrap the show's traditional format, which faced picketing by striking writers, in favor of a news conference that organizers hoped would save the unofficial kickoff to Hollywood's awards season.
Actors had declined to defy strikers to attend Sunday's event. But it was not immediately clear whether the Writers Guild of America would call off its pickets for a revamped show that would be televised without using writers.
"We are all very disappointed that our traditional awards ceremony will not take place this year and that millions of viewers worldwide will be deprived of seeing many of their favorite stars celebrating 2007's outstanding achievements in motion pictures and television," said Jorge Camara, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which organizes the show.
"We take some comfort, however, in knowing that this year's Golden Globe Award recipients will be announced on the date originally scheduled," he said in a statement.
This year's nominees include such A-listers as Angelina Jolie, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Daniel Day-Lewis, George Clooney, Keira Knightley, Cate Blanchett and Johnny Depp. Among the nominated films are "There Will Be Blood," "American Gangster" and "Sweeney Todd." But faced with a potential celebrity vacuum, the association and NBC Universal Chief Executive Jeff Zucker had to devise another approach.
The association will forgo any network payment — reported to be $5 million — for the broadcast, said a person close to the show who was not authorized to comment and requested anonymity. But NBC will have exclusive electronic rights to the show and will be able to sell advertising for it, the person said.
Although other TV media won't be given access, print outlets will, according to the agreement between NBC and the association, the person said.
The Writers Guild of America did not immediately respond when asked if it would call off its pickets because of the new approach.
The developments stand as an ominous sign for the Academy Awards, which are scheduled to air Feb. 24 on ABC. The writers guild refused to grant waivers for its members to work on the Oscars or the Globes.
Disrupting the awards show season, a huge promotional showcase for the entertainment industry, is one way the guild can flex its power and attempt to bring producers back to the table to resume talks that collapsed Dec. 7.
Oscar broadcast producer Gil Cates has vowed there will be a televised show, one way or another.
The writers strike, which began Nov. 5, has broad implications for the way Hollywood does business. Whatever deal is struck by writers on the key issue of payment for projects offered on the Internet could affect talks with actors and directors, whose contracts expire next June.
Instead of the traditional Globes show featuring a boozy, glitzy dinner party and awards presentation, the winners will be announced in an hour-long news conference at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the press association said.
A Los Angeles Times report, citing an NBC memo e-mailed to movie studios, said there were plans for other Globe-related shows, including a "Dateline NBC" program with clips and interviews with nominees, and a show covering Globe parties.
NBC was also in talks with dick clark productions, which produces the ceremony, for an hourlong Globes retrospective.
There was no announcement by the association or NBC on regarding further programming.
The Globes have been on a ratings roll. The 2007 ceremony drew 20 million viewers and marked the second straight year the show drew a bigger audience than the year before. The show's biggest audience ever was in 1998, the year of the blockbuster film "Titanic," when 24.5 million people watched.
Compared to the more formal Oscars, the Globes are presented at a relaxed event that brings out the frisky side of stars. In 1998, for example, Jack Nicholson mimicked Jim Carrey's "butt-talking" routine in accepting his acting award for "As Good As It Gets."
When the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists were on strike in 1980, only one winner — Powers Booth — showed up to collect his trophy.
The producer of the Globes, dick clark productions, has lashed out at the guild, citing repeated efforts to reach an interim agreement akin to the union deal with another independent company, Worldwide Pants, which produces David Letterman's show.
The guild was accused by dick clark productions of failing to bargain in good faith.
Writers guild President Patric M. Verrone has lauded the move by actors to boycott the Globes and said the awards show season is being jeopardized by the "intransigence" of media corporations.
For its own awards on Jan. 27, the actors guild has reached an interim agreement for a writers guild member to script the ceremony.
VH1 is still promising the "Critics Choice" awards tonight. Johnny is nominated as "Best Actor." The WGA will not picket this awards show.From Deadline Hollywood
Actors Attending Critics Choice Awards: No WGA Picket Line For VH1 EventHollywood publicists are telling me that their clients will attend the 13th annual Critics Choice Awards being broadcast live Monday night on VH1. In fact, publicist Stan Rosenfield confirmed today that Best Actor nominee George Clooney will attend. "It's a non-union gig -- non-WGA, always has been," a SAG leader informed me. Neither VH1 nor the production company behind the awards show are WGA signatories, but VH1 parent companies Paramount and Viacom are, plus members of the struck AMPTP. There won't be a WGA picket line outside the event, however. The Critics' Choice Awards are given out annually by the Broadcast Film Critics Association.
From Emma
The Film Programme
BBC Radio 4Interviews on "Sweeney Todd" - Time is London Time (GMT)
Friday 25th January 2008
Time: 16:30 to 17:00
Duration: 30 minutes.
From Yahoo News
Hollywood stars to boycott Golden Globes
world entertainment news
By WENN world entertainment news - Sunday, January 6 10:50 amHollywood stars like Julia Roberts, Keira Knightley and Johnny Depp look set to boycott next weekend's Golden Globes ceremony to show their support to striking writers.
(Advertisement)Actors represented by the Screen Actors' Guild (SAG) are in "unanimous agreement" not to ignore the plight of the Writers Guild of America union members, who are picketing over royalties.
Announcing the union's decision on Friday, SAG president, Alan Rosenberg, said, "After considerable outreach to Golden Globe actor nominees and their representatives over the past several weeks, there appears to be unanimous agreement that these actors will not cross WGA (Writers' Guild of America) picket lines."
In response to the boycott action, the WGA members thanked the SAG for its "solidarity and support".
Other stars nominated for gongs at the prestigious ceremony include George Clooney, John Travolta, Denzel Washington, Cate Blanchett and Jodie Foster - all of whom are unlikely to appear at the awards show if the WGA members do not reach an agreement with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which organises the Golden Globes, in time for next Sunday.
Knightley, who is up for Best Actress for her starring role in Atonement, is particularly supportive of the strike, because of her playwright mother, Sharman MacDonald.
A representative for the British beauty confirms: "If the strike is still in place then Keira won't cross a picket line as her mother is a writer."
From TMZ
Did Depp Buy a Dump?Posted Jan 6th 2008 5:30AM by TMZ Staff
Johnny DeppTMZ told you back in July that Johnny Depp bought a swanky downtown loft for a cool $2 mil -- but it's six months later -- and Jack Sparrow still hasn't moved in! What gives, matey?
According to Hot Property, Depp's new penthouse in downtown L.A.'s Eastern Columbia building is still vacant. In fact, the building hasn't even sold out yet -- there are still half a dozen lofts on the penthouse level available, ranging from 600K to $2.2 mil. Chump change!
But Depp isn't the only star in the Art Deco landmark -- comedian Ant and "Real Housewives of Orange County" hottie Slade Smiley also call the building home. On second thought, Depp is the only star in the building.
You and the Writer's Strike
Sunday January 6, 2008
by Kazren
As an admierer of Johnny Depp, you probably wonder how the writer's strike effects you. I live in the Los Angeles area, and we see the effects daily here. People are out of work, not just the writers, but everyone else who would normally be working on a televison or movie production, from hair dressers to directors. Also, there will be no member of the Screen Actors Guild at any of the televised award shows that start in January and cumulate with the Oscars. They will not cross the picket lines to attend them, for they are unified with the Writers Guild.We've already seen that the strike has postponed the filming of "Shantaram." Unless production companies are ready to sign separate agreements with the WGA (like Tom Cruise's UA), no productions will start here in the United States. This means a delay for every film Johnny has lined up, except "Public Enemies," which is due to start filming in March. Once that ends, who knows? We might see Johnny take a break or do stage work.
In the meantime, there will be no red carpet interviews for the Golden Globes this year, and none of the stars will show up at the People's Choice awards. They will make no appearances that bring financial gain to a studio (like NBC or CBS).
The PEOPLE magazine of January 14th has this photo of Johnny from his family's sking trip in Switzerland.Here are some other small photos of Johnny & Vanessa
From the Independant
Paradis found: The charmed life of Mrs Johnny Depp
As Johnny Depp's other half, the chanteuse Vanessa Paradis is the envy of millions. But with an acclaimed new album, can she finally lay to rest the ghost of 'Joe Le Taxi'? Hermione Eyre finds out
Published: 05 January 2008
Things have turned out nicely for Vanessa Paradis.This is, frankly, something of a miracle given the way she started off, a precocious 14-year-old pop star, crooning "Joe Le Taxi" and wiggling her hips as if desperately trying to keep aloft an invisible hula-hoop. She looked like any young teen trying to do sexy dancing in her bedroom mirror, except, unaccountably, she was on Top of the Pops. Or perhaps, all-too-accountably, as France has a tradition of pubescent pop performers – think of France Gall's "Lollipops" or Charlotte Gainsbourg's "Lemon Incest" – though of them all, "Joe Le Taxi" prends le biscuit.
Vanessa was entrancing, vogue
