July 2004
Don't forget to check out the POTC 2 & 3 news and rumors page
From the Hollywood Reporter
July 30, 2004
Summer of '05 shaping upBy Martin A. Grove
Summer summary: With summer winding down, it seems logical to start thinking about the films arriving this fall, but Hollywood's busy putting the final touches on its plans for next summer.Based on distribution schedules circulating now (but always subject to change) the summer of '05 is shaping up as a star driven season filled with familiar franchises. The release schedules boast such marquee names as Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Johnny Depp, Steve Martin, Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Jim Carrey and Denzel Washington. There also will be such new blockbuster franchise episodes as "Star Wars: Episode III," "Batman Begins," "Mission: Impossible 3," "The Pink Panther," "XXX: State of the Union" and "The Ring 2."
As things now stand, the 2005 pre-summer season gets underway May 6 with 20th Century Fox's historical action adventure epic "Kingdom of Heaven" and DreamWorks' suspense horror sequel "The Ring 2."
"Kingdom," directed by Ridley Scott, stars Orlando Bloom, Liam Neeson and David Thewlis, and is set during the 12th century at the time of the Crusades. Its story revolves around a young blacksmith who becomes a knight and while helping defend Jerusalem against crusaders falls in love with a princess.
"Ring 2," directed by Hideo Nakata and again starring Naomi Watts, revolves around the same videotape that in the original film turned out to be the last thing people who watched it saw before dying.
May 13 will bring Universal's comedy "Kicking & Screaming," directed by Jesse Dylan and starring Will Ferrell and Robert Duvall. It's the story of a dad who's coaching his young son's soccer team and discovers that his big rival is none other than his own father who happens to have a young son on another team.
Also on deck for May 13 is Revolution Studios and Columbia's suspense thriller sequel "XXX: State of the Union," directed by Lee Tamahori and starring Ice Cube, Samuel L. Jackson and Willem Dafoe. Its story revolves around the recruiting of a new criminal to become a XXX agent.
One of next summer's safest blockbuster bets is Fox and Lucasfilm's "Star Wars Episode III," opening May 19. Directed by George Lucas, it stars Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen. This is the episode that is said to bridge the gap between Lucas' original "Star Wars" trilogy and the prequels he subsequently brought to the screen. Among its highlights are Anakin Skywalker becoming Darth Vader and the introduction of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia as infants.
May 27 will lead into Memorial Day weekend with Paramount's comedy remake of its 1974 hit "The Longest Yard." Directed by Peter Segal, the sequel stars Adam Sandler, Chris Rick and Burt Reynolds, who starred in the original about a football quarterback who while in prison is forced by a sadistic warden to head an inmate team playing against a team of guards.
Also arriving May 27 is DreamWorks' animated family comedy "Madagascar." Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath, it features such voices as Jason Alexander, Ben Stiller and Chris Rock. It's the story of a giraffe, hippopotamus, lion and zebra who after animal rights activists free them from New York's Central Park Zoo wind up on a boat that capsizes, which brings them to Madagascar where they are now able to run free. Unfortunately, these ex-New Yorkers don't know the first thing about surviving in the wild.
June 3 will see Buena Vista/Disney's launch of its sci-fi fantasy "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Directed by Garth Jennings, it stars Sam Rockwell, Mos Def and Zooey Deschanel. Based on the best-seller by Douglas Adams, it's about an undercover alien who whisks an Earthling friend off the planet just before it's to be blown up to make way for a new hyperspace freeway.
Also opening June 3 is Warner Bros.' drama-comedy "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," directed by Ken Kwapis and starring Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel. The film focuses on four 16-year-old girlfriends who before being separated for the summer find a "magic" pair of thrift shop jeans that fit them all perfectly. They arrange to share the jeans and the luck they can bring them all by each wearing them for a week before shipping them on to the next girl.
Universal and Imagine Entertainment's drama "Tru Blu" is also set for June 3. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, it stars Denzel Washington and Benicio Del Toro. Its story is about 1970s Harlem heroin dealer Frank Lucas (Washington), called Superfly for his flamboyant life style. When narcotics lawman Richie Roberts (Del Toro) corners him, Lucas turns informer and helps bring down dirty cops and others living off his drug dealing empire.
Dimension Films' family film "The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl" from director Robert Rodriguez opens June 10. If all goes well, it could turn into another action adventure franchise from the filmmaker who gave Dimension its blockbuster "Spy Kids" franchise.
June 10 is also opening day for Columbia's as yet untitled Bernie Mac-Ashton Kutcher comedy about an African-American father who's not happy about his daughter marrying a white boy.
Only one film is slotted for June 17, which is understandable since it's Warner Bros.' mega-blockbuster franchise installment "Batman Begins." Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine and Katie Holmes, it explores the Dark Knight's origins.
June 24 will see the kick off of Columbia's comedy remake "Fun With Dick and Jane," directed by Dean Parisot and starring Jim Carrey. Tea Leoni is to replace Cameron Diaz, who bowed out due to scheduling conflicts. The 1977 original starred George Segal and Jane Fonda as an upscale couple who turn to crime in order to pay their bills. The remake's updated storyline involves a corporate spokesman who unexpectedly finds himself unemployed.
Paramount's franchise episode "Mission: Impossible 3" is locked in for June 29, which starts the long July Fourth holiday weekend. The picture, which stars Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Carrie-Anne Moss, Kenneth Branagh and Scarlett Johansson, was to have been directed by Joe Carnahan, who recently departed citing creative differences. Previously, David Fincher was to have directed the film. At one point, "M-I: 3" was to have kicked off the pre-summer of '05 on May 6, but after "Spider-Man 2" walked away with $180 million-plus from moviegoers this extended July Fourth weekend, Paramount opted to take over the same slot next year. At this writing, filming of "M-I: 3" is still slated to start in August at Babelsberg Studios in Berlin.
"M-I: 3" will have some stiff competition over the long July Fourth weekend from Fox's July 1 launch of its comic book based sci-fi fantasy "The Fantastic Four." Directed by Tim Story, "Four" stars Chris Evans, Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Chiklis and Jessica Alba. It's story revolves around four astronauts who after being exposed to cosmic radiation wind up with superhuman powers.
Also opening July 1 is Buena Vista/Disney's animated family film "Chicken Little," directed by Mark Dindal and featuring such voice talents as Joan Cusack, Don Knotts and director Garry Marshall. The film's title character is given to overreacting and causes a local uproar when he announces that "the sky is falling down."
Columbia's big screen version of the 1960s hit television series "Bewitched" that starred Elizabeth Montgomery arrives in theaters July 8. Directed by Nora Ephron, it stars Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, Shirley MacLaine and Michael Caine. It's the tale about Samantha, who turns out to be descended from a long line of witches, and her marriage to Darrin Stephens, which breaks the rule that witches aren't supposed to marry non-witches. With Samantha having done it anyway, they're now faced with the challenges of trying to live a normal life together.
Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures' family fantasy "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" opens July 15. Directed by Tim Burton, it stars Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore and Helena Bonham-Carter and is based on the novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. Its classic story centers on eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka and Charlie, a good-hearted poor boy whose family lives in the shadow of the astounding Wonka factory. The 1971 version of the film, called "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," starred Gene Wilder and Jack Albertson.
July 22 will see MGM bring its legendary comedy franchise "The Pink Panther" back to life. Directed by Shawn Levy, it stars Steve Martin in the Inspector Clouseau role that Peter Sellers originated. Also starring are Beyonce Knowles, Jean Reno, Kevin Kline and Kristin Chenoweth. At the heart of the story is the disappearance of the infamous Pink Panther diamond.
Columbia's sci-fi action adventure "Stealth" will take off July 29. Directed by Rob Cohen, it stars Josh Lucas, Jessica Biel and Jamie Foxx. Set in the near future, its story involves an artificial intelligence pilot who's being taught combat skills from human pilots. The plot thickens when the A.I. pilot stars having ideas of his own.
Also due July 29 is Buena Vista/Disney's family comedy "Shaggy Dog," directed by Brian Robbins and starring Tim Allen. It's a remake of Disney's 1959 feature starring Fred MacMurray about a boy who turned into a sheepdog. This time around it's Allen playing a workaholic lawyer-father who winds up as the sheepdog.
At this point, Aug. 3 is the only remaining summer of '05 date with anything already penciled in. It's opening day for Buena Vista/Disney's comedy adventure "Herbie," which reinvents the studio's "Love Bug" franchise that goes back to the 1968 feature starring Dean Jones. Directed by Angela Robinson, the new film stars Lindsay Lohan. Its story has Herbie, the famous white Volkswagen, winding up in the world of NASCAR racing.
Want to see Johnny in a sequal to "Once Upon A Time In Mexico" centered around Sands? Well, who knows how much good it will do, but you can sign a petition for Robert Rodriquez:.http://www.petitiononline.com/ciasands/petition.html
From the Fashion Telegraph
Fashion news except mentioning Johnny:
Cracknell also rates Jude Law, Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt for their style sense. "Jude Law's not a fashion victim – he dresses for himself. Johnny Depp's a cool guy, who dances to his own beat. I like individuals who make their own statement – rather than follow fashion – and don't look as if they're trying too hard."
Found by Emma on an Italian site, Johnny will be attending the Venice Film Festival in September. Official festival site
http://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/
Found by Emma: Press Junket for "Finding Neverland"
tentative press datesOctober 9-11
New YorkJohnny Depp, Dustin Hoffman, Kate Winslet, Radha Mitchell, David Magee(writer), Marc Forster(director)
From WEBX
July 28, 2004
JOHNNY DEPP CRASHES SPORTS CAR INTO GATEJohnny Depp is facing $18,000 bill after wrecking his brand new Mercedes by reversing into the gates of his French villa.
The Pirates of teh Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl actor, 41, sped the $28,000 sporty motor up to the electric gates outside his home in Plan De La Tour on the Cote D'Azur before smashing into them as he reversed.
A source says, "We saw Johnny pull up outside his house going at quite a speed.
"He put the car in reverse but can't have (been) paying attention because he drove straight into the side of the gate. He knocked the gates' electric motor straight off the wall and left an almighty dent in the back of the car.
"Judging by the look on his face he got quite a fright. Once he got out of the Mercedes he started cursing himself for being so stupid."
Copyright World Entertainment News Network 2004
Found by Trish at The Sun (a tabloid to take this all with some healthy skepticism) and more
You're an utter Deppstick
By GORDON SMART
Showbiz Reporter
HOLLYWOOD hunk Johnny Depp faces a £10,000 bill after pranging his brand-new Mercedes — on the gates of his French villa.
Johnny, 41, wrecked the sporty A-Class motor as he sped up to the expensive electric gates, then smashed into them — in reverse.
Onlookers told how the shaken star stepped cursing from the £16,000 car outside his home in Plan de La Tour on the Cote D’Azur.
One said: “We saw Johnny pull up outside his house going at quite a speed. He put the car in reverse but can’t have been paying attention because he drove straight into the side of the gate.
“He knocked the gates’ electric motor straight off the wall and left an almighty dent in the back of the car. Judging by the look on his face he got quite a fright. Once he got out of the Merc he started cursing himself for being so stupid.”
Pirates Of The Caribbean star Johnny bought the sleek Mercedes only a fortnight ago. Now he will have to wait up to four weeks for repairs to be completed at a nearby dealership.
A-class ... Merc like Depp's
Johnny was on a break from shooting new film Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, in which he plays Willy Wonka.
He lives with singer Vanessa Paradis and their kids Lily-Rose Melody, five, and Jack, two.
Later Johnny slipped up AGAIN when an electrician arrived to give an estimate for the gates.
Not realising who the visitor was, the paranoid actor chased him away — mistaking him for an obsessed fan.
Found by Emma HERE
Agent Sands in PSP Game?Robert Rodriguez Planning PSP Game?
There's definitely some potential in the character...By David Smith
07/27/2004Action auteur Robert Rodriguez is planning a very unlikely entry into the videogame market, according to reports from the San Diego Comic-Con. The director of Desperado is apparently interested in taking one of his supporting characters to Sony's PlayStation Portable.
In a panel discussion at the convention covering his upcoming Sin City movie, Rodriguez fielded a few questions regarding his plans for the Johnny Depp character from Once Upon a Time in Mexico. While he was noncommittal regarding the possibility of a full-blown film treatment for the so-called "Man With No Eyes," Rodriguez said that he is planning a PSP game starring the character, as well as an animated film potentially involving Japanese studio Production I.G.
If anything more than convention chatter comes of this, we'll be sure to update with all the details.
Thanks to Kent Keltner for the tip-off.and also From EuroGamer
Johnny Depp on PlayStation Portable?
by Tom BramwellFilm director Robert Rodriguez (and, in fact, editor, musician, etc, since he does pretty much everything) is reportedly interested in developing Johnny Depp's character from Once Upon A Time In Mexico into a multimedia property - with a PlayStation Portable game amongst his aspirations.
Rodriguez comments at the San Diego Comic-Con, picked up on 1up.com, suggest that the quirky FBI agent Depp plays in the film - one of the best things about it, as we recall - could well turn into an animated movie and a videogame on PSP.
Speaking during a panel discussion relating to his next film, Sin City, Rodriguez was apparently noncommittal about a movie, but did mention Sony's forthcoming handheld by name.
Apart from a PC game of From Dusk Till Dawn, we can't recall the last thing he did which turned into a game, so it'll be an interesting experiment if it does come about. We'll let you know if we hear anything else.
From Vrito's post on JDZ
At the Sin City panel at the San Diego Comic Con on Saturday, Robert Rodriguez was asked- actually told - to make a sequel featuring Johnny's character from OUATIM, a prospect that drew applause. RR said there were no plans for a sequel per se, but that he was going to do an anime (Japanese-style animation) movie featuring the sightless gunman, and that there would also be a video game based on either the character himself or the anime film - it wasn't clear which. Rodriquez filled the 6500-seat main room (not impossible to do when the Con attendance came close to 80,000 this year). One can only imagine what a JD appearance would do.Now into the idle rumor and speculation department - given that one of the main events of the Comic Con is a masquerade, where fans recreate costumes of their favorite characters, there were a number of Jack Sparrows wandering around the convention center. A "friend of a friend" who works there said that one of these Jacks, however, was followed by a set of security agents and that there had been an "emergency" that day that had required the sudden presence of the Con's movie star liaison person on the floor immediately. Was one of those Jacks the real thing? I hate giving rumor more than its due, but when I was leaving the Con, I did notice a very good Jack Sparrow exiting at the same time. What caught my eye was that he had the fluid, staggering moves down so well, and as I passed him, I thought, well, if any Jack Sparrow won a prize at the Masquerade (which I didn't attend) it must have been that one, because obviously he did his homework, and it's a lot harder to get the physical moves down so perfectly than it is to sew a straight seam. I didn't notice any security following him but then I wasn't looking for them - I didn't get that story until later.
So did I have a sighting? I don't know. It sounds like something Johnny would do - and really, under those conditions, it could be a perfect place to have a day out without any one bothering him.
The other "inside" information is that supposedly the Comic-Con programming department is indeed trying to get him to appear next summer to promote Pirates 2. Hope it happens! He'd be a lot more fun than Jude Law or Keanu, both of whom were there this year and drew huge crowds.
From Diana
Good News for fans on the East Coast!From September 12-14, 2004, Conde Nast Traveler magazine will be hosting an All-Star International Film forum to benefit the Film Foundation in New York City. The Film Foundation is a group of celebrated filmmakers committed to perserving cinema's great history.
Finding Neverland will be one of the films screened.
Tickets are $25 and include a talk by the film's director, Marc Foster.
Proceeds benefit the Film Foundation, which does film preservation, so it's a fine cause and a great opportunity to see Finding Neverland early. No live Johnny, but a lot to enjoy!For more information, go to www.cntfilmforum.com
News coming soon on a Johnny Depp convention this October.
The JDZ forum is down Tuesday morning. Having withdrawls? Try Depp Impact's Forum
Website for the soundscore of Finding Neverland
From the Virgin Islands Daily News
July 23, 2004
V.I. considered for 'Pirates' sequel
By AYESHA MORRIS
Friday, July 23rd 2004The Virgin Islands is being considered as one of several locations for the filming of Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" sequels, a decision that could mean a multimillion-dollar boost to the local economy.
Tourism Commissioner Pamela Richards made the announcement Thursday during a budget hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.
Filmmakers are looking for locations to shoot the sequels to the award-winning movie, subtitled "The Curse of the Black Pearl." The film, set in the 17th century Caribbean, followed the adventures of pirate Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp, who, along with blacksmith Will Turner, fights against the evil Captain Barbossa.
"Pirates of the Caribbean" won five Oscars, including best actor for Depp, and a number of other prestigious honors.
Tourism's director of film production, Edward La Borde, said that a location manager for the film has been in the Virgin Islands since June 9, combing all three islands by land and sea looking for the right spots.
"We visited every bay in the Virgin Islands. I think we've seen everything on all three islands," La Borde told the committee. "We saw it by helicopter, by land, by boat. We spent hours at each place."
Jerry Bruckheimer Films, which spent about $200 million on the first movie, is planning to do two sequels that will be shot at once and released six months apart.
La Borde said the local economy would get a boost if any parts of the films are shot in the territory.
"Any portion of that would be welcomed," La Borde said. "Since they're talking about doing parts two and three, that's an idea of how it could be very lucrative."
La Borde said one obstacle to selection of the territory is that many of the bays are too shallow to shoot the scenes with large ships.
"We have a good chance, but it depends on being able to find the right bay," he said. "Some of them may not be deep enough."
But he said the filmmakers are looking for other geographical settings as well.
"They're looking for deserted island looks, rainforesty areas and possible town locations," he said.
Tourism officials are optimistic that the territory will be chosen and said they may get word from the production company as early as next month.
This is the second time the Virgin Islands has been considered as a location for a movie in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series. St. Vincent and the Grenadines was picked over the Virgin Islands for the first film.
"They looked at us before for the first one, but it didn't work out too well," La Borde said. "This time we made sure we covered all our bases, making sure we accommodated them with their search."
Tourism officials in St. Vincent and the Grenadines said they still are reaping the benefits of the filming there.
Andreas Wickham, permanent secretary of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of Tourism and Culture, said the film injected about $7 million into the local economy.
He said the movie, which filmed between December 2002 to March 2003, made an economic impact on transportation, telecommunications, hotels, restaurants and housing.
Wickham said approximately 300 jobs were created for extras, in addition to the carpenters, laborers, drivers, caterers, tour guides, production assistants, medical personnel and office staff that were employed during the filming.
From Tiscali Entertainment
July 23, 2004
Depp forms Infinitum Nihil company
Johnny Depp, the Pirates of the Caribbean star, has formed a new film production company, Infinitum Nihil, and has already lined up a suitably quirky movie as its first project, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Happy Days tells the story of a young man obsessed with his own eventual death, who buys his own grave at the age of 18 and at 35 decides to spend the rest of his life in a rest home.
Initially he is the life of the party and a sex toy for the nurses. But his carefree life changes when a dying woman arrives with whom he forms a unique bond.
Depp is due to produce the movie, but is undecided whether he will star on screen.
Syndicated story - can be found at CNN.com
Everything Old is New Again
Excerpt:
Johnny Depp is starring in a remake of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" next year. This new version doesn't bother me so much because the original was so darn freaky. However, I will be watching closely for any desecration of the Oompa Loompa legacy.
Johnny mentioned in "A match made in the make-up chair"(his wife was a make-up artist) HERE
You can see a picture of Johnny's wedding HERE
In the Preston Today
The Location that was TOO REAL for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" - small Johnny mention
alias 4 found this article in Psychology Today
found by alias4Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 4:02 pm Post subject: Johnny in Psychology Today Magazine!
Seeing by Starlight
By Carlin Flora -- Publication Date: Jul/Aug 2004Summary: From Princess Diana to The Donald, A-listers teach us how to grab life's goodies-or so we're wired to think. What we learn from celebrities may surprise you.
A couple of years ago, Britney Spears and her entourage swept through my boss’s office. As she sashayed past, I blushed and stammered and leaned over my desk to shake her hand. She looked right into my eyes and smiled her pageant smile, and I confess, I felt dizzy. I immediately rang up friends to report my celebrity encounter, saying: “She had on a gorgeous, floor-length white fur coat! Her skin was blotchy!” I’ve never been much of a Britney fan, so why the contact high? Why should I care? For that matter, why should any of us?
Celebrities are fascinating because they live in a parallel universe—one that looks and feels just like ours yet is light-years beyond our reach. Stars cry to Diane Sawyer about their problems—failed marriages, hardscrabble upbringings, bad career decisions—and we can relate. The paparazzi catch them in wet hair and a stained T-shirt, and we’re thrilled. They’re ordinary folks, just like us. And yet…
Stars live in another world entirely, one that makes our lives seem woefully dull by comparison. The teary chat with Diane quickly turns to the subject of a recent $10 million film fee and honorary United Nations ambassadorship. The magazines that specialize in gotcha snapshots of schleppy-looking celebs also feature Cameron Diaz wrapped in a $15,000 couture gown and glowing with youth, money and star power. We’re left hanging—and we want more.
It’s easy to blame the media for this cognitive whiplash. But the real celebrity spinmeister is our own mind, which tricks us into believing the stars are our lovers and our social intimates. Celebrity culture plays to all of our innate tendencies: We’re built to view anyone we recognize as an acquaintance ripe for gossip or for romance, hence our powerful interest in Anna Kournikova’s sex life. Since catching sight of a beautiful face bathes the brain in pleasing chemicals, George Clooney’s killer smile is impossible to ignore.
But when celebrities are both our intimate daily companions and as distant as the heavens above, it’s hard to know just how to think of them. Reality TV further confuses the picture by transforming ordinary folk into bold-faced names without warning. Even celebrities themselves are not immune to celebrity watching: Magazines print pictures of Demi Moore and “Bachelorette” Trista Rehn reading the very same gossip magazines that stalk them. “Most pushers are users, don’t you think?” says top Hollywood publicist Michael Levine. “And, by the way, it’s not the worst thing in the world to do.”
Celebrities tap into powerful motivational systems designed to foster romantic love and to urge us to find a mate. Stars summon our most human yearnings: to love, admire, copy and, of course, to gossip and to jeer. It’s only natural that we get pulled into their gravitational field.
Exclusive: Fan’s brain transformed
by celebrity power!
John Lennon infuriated the faithful when he said the Beatles were more popular than Jesus, but he wasn’t the first to suggest that celebrity culture was taking the place of religion. With its myths, its rituals (the red carpet walk, the Super Bowl ring, the handprints outside Grauman’s Chinese Theater) and its ability to immortalize, it fills a similar cultural niche. In a secular society our need for ritualized idol worship can be displaced onto stars, speculates psychologist James Houran, formerly of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and now director of psychological studies for True Beginnings dating service. Nonreligious people tend to be more interested in celebrity culture, he’s found, and Houran speculates that for them, celebrity fills some of the same roles the church fills for believers, like the desire to admire the powerful and the drive to fit into a community of people with shared values. Leo Braudy, author of The Frenzy of Renown: Fame and its History, suggests that celebrities are more like Christian calendar saints than like spiritual authorities (Tiger Woods, patron saint of arriviste golfers; or Jimmy Carter, protector of down-home liberal farmers?). “Celebrities have their aura—a debased version of charisma” that stems from their all-powerful captivating presence, Braudy says.
Much like spiritual guidance, celebrity-watching can be inspiring, or at least help us muster the will to tackle our own problems. “Celebrities motivate us to make it,” says Helen Fisher, an anthropologist at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Oprah Winfrey suffered through poverty, sexual abuse and racial discrimination to become the wealthiest woman in media. Lance Armstrong survived advanced testicular cancer and went on to win the Tour de France five times. Star-watching can also simply point the way to a grander, more dramatic way of living, publicist Levine says. “We live lives more dedicated to safety or quiet desperation, and we transcend this by connecting with bigger lives—those of the stars,” he says. “We’re afraid to eat that fatty muffin, but Ozzy Osborne isn’t.”
Don’t I know you?!
Celebrities are also common currency in our socially fractured world. Depressed college coeds and laid-off factory workers both spend hours watching Anna Nicole Smith on late night television; Mexican villagers trade theories with hometown friends about who killed rapper Tupac Shakur; and Liberian and German businessmen critique David Beckham’s plays before hammering out deals. My friend Britney Spears was, in fact, last year’s top international Internet search.
In our global village, the best targets for gossip are the faces we all know. We are born to dish dirt, evolutionary psychologists agree; it’s the most efficient way to navigate society and to determine who is trustworthy. They also point out that when our brains evolved, anybody with a familiar face was an “in-group” member, a person whose alliances and enmities were important to keep track of.
Things have changed somewhat since life in the Pleistocene era, but our neural hardwiring hasn’t, so on some deeper level, we may think NBC’s Friends really are our friends. Many of us have had the celebrity-sighting mishap of mistaking a minor star—a local weatherman, say, or a bit-part soap opera actor—for an acquaintance or former schoolmate. Braudy’s favorite example of this mistake: In one episode of the cartoon show King of the Hill, a character meets former Texas Governor Ann Richards. “You probably know me,” he says. “I’ve seen you on TV.” That’s also why we don’t get bored by star gossip, says Bonnie Fuller, editorial director of American Media, which publishes Star and The Enquirer: “That would be like getting bored with information about family and friends!”
The brain simply doesn’t realize that it’s being fooled by TV and movies, says sociologist Satoshi Kanazawa, lecturer at the London School of Economics. “Hundreds of thousands of years ago, it was impossible for someone not to know you if you knew them. And if they didn’t kill you, they were probably your friend.” Kanazawa’s research has shown that this feeling of friendship has other repercussions: People who watch more TV are more satisfied with their friendships, just as if they had more friends and socialized more frequently. Another study found that teens who keep up to date on celebrity gossip are popular, with strong social networks—the interest in pop culture indicates a healthy drive for independence from parents.
The penchant for gossiping about the stars also plays into our species’ obsession with status. Humans naturally copy techniques from high-status individuals, says Francisco Gil-White, professor of psychology at University of Pennsylvania. It’s an attempt to get the same rewards, whether that’s “attention, favors, gifts, [or] laudatory exclamations.” Stars get all kinds of perks and pampering: Sarah Jessica Parker was allowed to keep each of her Sex in the City character’s extravagant getups; Halle Berry borrowed a $3 million diamond ring to wear to the Oscars. Understandably, we look to get in on the game.
The impulse to copy is behind the popularity of celebrity magazines, says Fuller. Regular women can see what the stars are wearing, often with tips on how to buy cheap knockoffs of their outfits. Taken to extremes—which television is only too happy to do—the urge to copy produces spectacles like the MTV reality show I Want a Famous Face. By dint of extensive plastic surgery, ordinary people are made to look more like their famous heroes. In one episode, two gangly 20-year-old twin brothers are molded into Brad Pitt look-alikes. The brothers want to be stars, and they’ve decided that looking more like Pitt is the fastest road to fame. No wonder makeover shows are so popular, points out Joshua Gamson, an associate professor of sociology at the University of San Francisco. These shows offer drab nobodies a double whammy: simultaneous beauty and celebrity.
The most fascinating measure of status is, of course, sex. “We want to know who is mating with whom,” says Douglas Kenrick, professor of psychology at Arizona State University. He speculates that we look to stars to evaluate our own sexual behavior and ethics, and mistake them unconsciously for members of our prospective mating pool.
Given this me-too drive to imitate and adore, why are celebrity flame-outs and meltdowns so fascinating? Even though we love to hear about the lavish rewards of fame—remember Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous?—we’re quick to judge when stars behave too outrageously or live too extravagantly. We suspect some stars are enjoying society’s highest rewards without really deserving them, says University of Liverpool anthropologist Robin Dunbar, so we monitor their behavior. “We need to keep an eye on the great-and-the-good because they create a sense of community for us, but also because we need to make sure that they are holding to their side of the bargain.”
Diva alert: Beauty isn’t
everything (being nice helps!)
The beauty bias is well-known. We all pay more attention to good-looking people. Kenrick’s eye-tracking research has shown that both men and women spend more time looking at beautiful women than at less attractive women. Babies as young as 8-months-old will stare at an attractive female face of any race longer than they will at an average-looking or unattractive female face. Certain human traits are universally recognized as beautiful: symmetry, regularity in the shape and size of the features, smooth skin, big eyes and thick lips, and an hourglass figure that indicates fertility. Men interpret these features as evidence of health and reproductive fitness. Women’s responses are more complex, says psychologist and Harvard Medical School instructor Nancy Etcoff, author of Survival of the Prettiest. Women stare at beautiful female faces out of aesthetic appreciation, to look for potential tips—and because a beautiful woman could be a rival worth monitoring.
It’s not surprising that gorgeous people wind up famous. What’s less obvious is that famous people often wind up gorgeous: The more we see a certain face, the more our brain likes it, whether or not it’s actually beautiful. Thanks to what is known as “the exposure effect,” says James Bailey, a psychologist at George Washington University, the pleasurable biological cascade that is set off when we see a certain celebrity “begins to wear a neurochemical groove,” making her image easier for our brains to process. It begins to explain why Jennifer Aniston—not exactly a classic cover girl—was again named one of People magazine’s 50 “most beautiful” in the world this year.
On the flip side, celebrity overload—let’s call it the J.Lo effect—can leave us all thoroughly sick of even the most beautiful celeb. With the constant deluge of celebrity coverage, says Etcoff, “they at first become more appealing because they are familiar, but then the ubiquity becomes tedious. That is why the stars who reign the longest—Madonna is the best example—are always changing their appearance.” Every time Madonna reconfigures her look, she resets our responses back to when her face was recognizable but still surprising.
Just as in pageants, personality plays a part in the beauty contest, too. State University of New York at Binghamton psychology professors Kevin Kniffin and David Sloan Wilson have found that people’s perceptions of physical appeal are strongly influenced by familiarity and likability. “Almost all of the beauty research is based on subjects looking at strangers in photos or computer-generated images—but we don’t live in a world of strangers!” Kniffin points out.
In one of Kniffin’s experiments, students worked on an archeological dig together toward a shared goal. Those who were deemed cooperative and likable were rated as more attractive after the project was finished than they were at the outset. Conversely, students who were not as hardworking were rated as less attractive after the chore was done.
Kniffin believes this same mechanism is at work in our feelings toward celebrities, who rank somewhere between strangers and intimates. Athletes are an obvious example: Team spirit gives even ugly guys a boost. NBA great Wilt Chamberlain might have been a bit goofy-looking, but his astonishing abilities to propel his team to victory meant that he was a hero, surrounded with adoring—and amorous—fans.
Kniffin points to William Hung, the talent-free and homely also-ran on the contest show American Idol, as evidence of his theory at work. In part because of his enthusiasm and his good-natured willingness to put up with ridicule, Hung became a bigger star after he was kicked off the show: His album, Inspiration, sold more than 37,000 copies in its first week. “William doesn’t display the traits of universal attractiveness, but people who have seen the show would probably rate him as more attractive because of nonphysical traits of likability and courage. He’s even received some marriage proposals.” Kniffin’s theory also explains why models are less compelling objects of fascination than actresses or pop stars. They’re beautiful, but they’re enigmatic: We rarely get any sense of their personalities.
Saved from oblivion!
What’s the result of our simultaneous yearning to be more like celebrities and our desire to be wowed by their unattainable perfection? We’ve been watching it for the past decade. Reality television is an express train to fame, unpredictably turning nobodies into somebodies. Reality TV now gives us the ability to get inside the star factory and watch the transition to fame in real time.
“The appeal of reality stars is that they were possibly once just like you, sitting on the couch watching a reality TV program, until they leaped to celebrity,” says Andy Denhart, blogger and reality TV junkie. “With the number of reality shows out there, it’s inexcusable to not be famous if you want to be!” In the past, ambitious young men who idolized a famous actor might take acting lessons or learn to dance. Now, they get plastic surgery and learn to tell their life stories for the camera. In fact, says editor Fuller, the newly minted stars of reality TV are better at the celebrity game than many of the movie and television stars: “They are more accessible, more cooperative. They enjoy publicity. They will open up and offer insight, often more than a ‘traditional’ celeb, because they want the attention, whereas an actress might have ambivalent feelings about fame and how it is tied in with her ‘craft.’”
At the same time, shows like The Simple Life and The Newlyweds (and amateur videotapes like Paris Hilton’s) let us gawk at the silly things that stars do in the privacy of their own home. As a result, the distance between celebrity stratosphere and living room couch dwindles even further.
Yet there’s still something about that magic dust. A celebrity sighting is not just about seeing a star, author Braudy points out, but is about being seen by a star: “There is a sense that celebrities are more real than we are; people feel more real in the presence of a celebrity.” It wasn’t just that I saw Britney, it was that Britney saw me.
From TV Shows on DVD
More news on the 21 JUMP STREET DVD
21 Jump Street - E-tailer reports Jump Street extras involve DeLuise
Posted by David Lambert
7/25/2004
DVDEmpire.com has put up this pre-order listing for 21 Jump Street - The Complete 1st Season. In it, they go into a couple of details about extras that were missing from what Anchor Bay previously hinted at.
Anchor Bay had said that "Audio Commentary, Cast & Producer interviews will be included". DVDEmpire's listing shows that there will be an "Audio Commentary with star Peter DeLuise" (who played officer Doug Penhall during the early seasons of the show).
DVDEmpire also mentions that an "8 Page Booklet With Liner Notes & Color Photos" will be included as well. Stay tuned, and we'll let you know what else we find out as more and more info leaks out!
There is a new exclusive "Finding Neverland" trailer HERE
Found by Emma. She reports several people have seen it in theatres showing "Bourne Supremacy" this weekend.
Cute story from This Is Slough
In at the Depp endBy Observer Newsroom
PIRATE SCHEME: From left to right, Amadeo Varzi, Mason Baxter and Johnny Depp lookalike, Carmelo Masi.
A JOHNNY Depp lookalike dropped anchor at a school to judge a pirate competition.
The classroom was forgotten as thoughts turned to adventures on the high seas when Johnny Depp look-alike Carmelo Masi visited Priory School, Orchard Avenue, Burnham.
Children dressed up as pirates, very much like the real Johnny Depp in his hit movie Pirates of the Caribbean, and dead ringer Carmelo was there to judge the results.
Pupils donned patches and peg-legs as part of the contest, which aims to raise £600 for the Dynamite Project, a scheme using conductive education therapy to help children who may have been wheelchair bound most of their lives to sit, stand and even walk independently.
Managers and staff from companies in the area have played a key role as commercial sponsors, contributing between £500 and £75,000.
They have taken part in fundraising and helped with finance, marketing, web design and photography.
The Priory special needs group has extended its thanks to head Jacqueline Laver and the school for going to such lengths to support the Dynamite Project.
From Web India 123
Johnny Depp settles into the English countryside
Washington | July 24, 2004 5:02:21 PM ISTAfter ditching Hollywood to settle down in France, Hollywood actor Johnny Depp is now shelling out a whopping 4.7 million dollars to purchase a house in the picturesque British village of Rye, East Sussex.
According to Star magazine, the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star spotted the property while on a trip to Britain. The three-story bungalow boasts of a swimming pool and seven bedrooms. He will reportedly move in there with his French girlfriend Vanessa Paradis and their two children.
The town is also reported to be a favourite with Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and wife Jennifer Anniston, who are looking to move in their after they have children. (ANI)
Article about Shane McGowan - friend of Johnny's who plays a bard in "Libertine" HERE
Article about Michael Nyman, composer of the sound score for "Libertine" HERE
You have only until Sunday to get in on the discount Jack Sparrow Action Figure sale. More pictures.
The Village Voice mentions "From Hell" in an article about depression "Meet the Depressed" by J. Hoberman
HERE
Anti-Smoking campaign targets Johnny- read article HERE from the Saratogian
A Johnny Depp Convention is being planned for this year in Los Angeles. Check the website link often for updates. Depp Con it is still under construction
Click here to get the new Jack Sparrow Doll at a discount... a big discount. Limited offer
From This is York
Charlie's chocolates made in York for film
by Evening Press reporterTHOUSANDS of chocolate bars have been specially created at Nestlé Rowntree's York plant for use in the filming of the forthcoming blockbuster, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.
Heart throb Johnny Depp is currently filming the movie at Pinewood Studios, and is likely to introduce the golden ticket winners to the delights of a Nutty Crunch Surprise bar and a Whipple Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight.
But the chocolate was actually made at Nestlé's Wigginton Road factory, where a special production line was used to churn out more than 100,000 wrapped dummy bars in eight different wrapper designs.
Nestlé Rowntree's managing director, Chris White, has been invited to the studios next week where he could meet the stars and the film's maverick director, Tim Burton, who personally oversaw the design and creation of the chocolate bars.
Nestlé marketing director Sam Hunter said the Wigginton Road plant could still be used by the filmmakers in some capacity - perhaps for an outside factory shot.
"A lot of hard work has gone into this, but it has gone really well," he said. "It's very exciting and a lot of fun. We dealt directly with the producers and directors to create the chocolate and it proved to be a big challenge."
Mr Hunter said there was a potential opportunity to create chocolate bars that could be sold to the public to coincide with the film's release next summer.
From the Online Sun
July 17, 2004
What a Willy Wonka
By NICK PARKER
THE new Willy Wonka film was in the goo last night — after a £300,000 camera was dropped into a giant vat of “chocolate”.It plunged in after a technician failed to secure the wire-held camera.
And the crew watched in horror as it plunged into the 3ft-deep tank.
The disaster has delayed filming of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, which stars Johnny Depp as sweet factory boss Willy Wonka.
Insiders say the bill, including paying staff to stand idle, could top £500,000.
One revealed: “When the camera fell it was like a slap-stick scene straight from the movie. A team of riggers had come in specially from the States to set it up over a vat of synthetic chocolate.
“But someone made a mistake and it wasn’t secured properly. The production team didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The camera is probably beyond repair.”
Found by Reemi at The Scotsman
July 18, 2004
(excerpt)
Since our last meeting, MacGowan has completed filming The Libertine, described as a 17th-century Hollywood romp."People are getting it mixed up with Pirates of the Caribbean, but it’s nothing like that; it’s funny but in a very black kind of way. It’s basically a true story about the Earl of Rochester, who was probably the most paranoid tyrant outside of Stalin and me.
"Johnny plays Rochester. I play a drunken minstrel. I’ve played a bandit, a terrorist and now I’m a drunken minstrel."
Long-term friend Depp is another guest on the long-awaited new MacGowan album. "Yeah, Johnny is going to be on it, but he’s not just on there to get his name on the cover; he’s there because he’s actually a great guitarist. Johnny played on The Snake, and this record is going to be a bit more punky in a similar way. He was also in the video for ‘That Woman’s Got Me Drinking’."
Trish found these items on Ebay - all worn by Johnny in Don Juan DeMarco
http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2256297389&category=52929http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2256297392&category=52929
http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2256297388&category=52929
Anyone got a few thousand dollars to spare? Wonder if Beckham's going to bid on these, too.
We all heard that David Beckham paid $3,000 at a charity auction for the underwear Johnny wore while filming "Libertine"(see June's news), but now, according to The Daytona Beach News, he's at it again.David Beckham reportedly plunked down $1,700 for a pair of pants Johnny Depp wore in the movie "Edward Scissorhands."
From the Irish Examiner
Depp, Winslet discover child starFinding Neverland co-stars Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet have helped unknown child actor Freddie Highmore win a career-launching role in the remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The superstar duo - who played opposite the talented youngster in forthcoming movie Finding Neverland - were stunned by Highmore's natural acting ability.
So when director Tim Burton was looking for the perfect boy to play protagonist Charlie Bucket in the second big-screen adaptation of the Roald Dahl best-seller, both stars recommended the 12-year-old.
Kate gushes: "He is something else. I would literally get hairs up on the back of my neck watching this kid act. It's so rare you feel that - not only with a child actor but also any actor you work with.
"You seldom have this incredibly unnerving feeling that they've completely transported themselves into someone else's head. With this kid, it's a scary gift."
Highmore will now play opposite Depp's Willy Wonka and Helena Bonham Carter's Mrs Bucket.
There are 2 2005 Johnny Depp Calendars out. The Poster version (he wears a hat on th cover) and the regular version which has a 'pin up centerfold' photo. Here are photos. You can find these all over ebay. Click to see larger photos.
From the STAR July 18, 2004
JOHNNY DEPP: NEW LORD OF THE MANOR!
Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis
We already knew Johnny Depp was a Francophile, and now it's safe to call him an Anglophile too. Depp, 41, fell for a $4.7 million Georgian estate in picturesque Rye, East Sussex, during a trip to the U.K. in May, says a source. Depp famously ditched Hollywood a few years ago for a quieter life in France with his French actress girlfriend Vanessa Paradis, 31, and their two children, Lily Rose, 5, and Jack, 2. Now it is believed Depp will buy the three-story, seven-bedroom English mansion, complete with a pool on 45 acres of land. "Rye would be wellsuited for Mr. Depp," says a source. "I understand he has a fondness for traditional England, and it is almost as though Rye is stuck in time."There's plenty that Depp likes about the U.K. -- he dated British supermodel Kate Moss, and based his character in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. So maybe it's high time for Depp to call jolly ol' England home.
As mentioned below, The Jack Sparrow 18 inch action ficture will come in serious and smile versions - here's an illustration of the prototype of the smile version.
Reemi found a great article about Marlon Brando and "The Brave" at Entertainment Today
Mutley sent in this link to a slide show at USA Today called In-Depp-th
From Jansysparrow(who also typed this article)
From Lee's Toy Preview #141“One of the most watchable flicks of 2003 was Disney/Touchstone Pictures’ Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, starring Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, and Orlando Bloom. In the months leading up to the film’s release, the question on the lips of every action figure collector worth his or her own salt was, ‘Where are the action figures for this? Who’s doing them?’ Until Toy Fair of this year, there was no official answer to that question. Then the answer came back - - NECA.
“’Once Disney finally figured out what they wanted to do with the license, we were already standing at the door,’ said NECA’s Director of Product Development, Randy Falk. ‘We wanted to do this one from the beginning. We were talking about doing something for this movie back in November or December of 2002. Disney had three divisions involved in this one, since it was both a theme park attraction and a feature film. Because the film itself was live action instead of the usual animated theme park presentation, it also involved a lot of talent likenesses and actor approvals. It just took Disney’s Consumer Products, Feature Films, and Theme Park Divisions a long time to sort out how it wanted the project licensed.’
“As stated, NECA was all over this license from the get-go. ‘The reason we stayed so focused on (Pirates of the Caribbean) was that we were all fans of the movie,’ said Falk. ‘Johnny Depp did an amazing job as Jack Sparrow, and the movie was such a phenomenal success at the box office. With two sequels in development that are going to be filmed back-to-back, we knew there was a lot of life in the franchise.’
“At Toy Fair we saw part of the wax sculpt for the first in what will be a line of figures and collectibles from NECA - - Jack Sparrow’s head was literally handed to us then, but photos and detailed information were embargoed by NECA until we started production on this month’s issue.
“The first ‘Pirates….’ Line item that will available, sometime this fall, will be an 18-inch Captain Jack Sparrow vinyl action figure. In terms of size, think the ‘Epic’ Lord of the Rings figures, Aragorn and Legolas. ‘He’s the introduction to what will be a full series of 7-inch action figures,’ said Falk. That assortment will release in January or February of 2005, right about the time the next Toy Fair hits. The same retailers who order the 18-inch Captain Jack Sparrow will get a shot at the 7-inch action figure assortment; these’ll be your usual suspects such as the Musicland family of stores, Diamond (order through Previews), mom ‘n’ pop retailers, and specialty. Brick ‘n mortar TRUs probably won’t be carrying them, but you might be able to get them online at ToysRUs.com. You won’t find them at Wal-Mart.
“The 18-inch Captain Jack Sparrow is a veritable treasure trove of features, boasting motion-activated sound (voice clips from the film), great accessorization, and lots of articulation. He’ll come with a removable tricorn hat, working compass, flintlock pistol (can be tucked into his belt sash), rum bottle, and cutlass. Two versions of the figure will be offered, a ‘Smiling Jack’ and a ‘Serious Jack.’ Right now the plan is to split the production run roughly 50/50 between the two versions. The figure will also have inter-changeable sets of hands that allow it to strike some of Jack Sparrow’s/Johnny Depp’s more flamboyant pirate captain hand gestures.
“The reason two separate figures are being done is that it’s too expensive to include a second, interchangeable head as an accessory, according to Falk. ‘There are about twelve separate molded pieces that come together to form just the hair,’ said Falk. ‘The construction of the bandana, the dreadlocks, and the extensions are fairly complicated,’ said Falk, ‘but it looks really nice.’
“Dave Cortes sculpted everything to do with the 18-inch figure but the accessories, the latter being done by Oliver Brig….
“For now, NECA’s focus will be action figures. Falk did offer the tease of prop replicas such as the compass, medallion, and doubloons, as possible NECA collectibles down the road, perhaps as early as next year. By the time the Fall Mass Market Expo rolls around, NECA should be ready to show packaging samples of the 7-inch action figure assortment. ‘It’s coming together nicely,’ said Falk. ‘It’s a lively franchise. Even if we somehow don’t end up doing product for the second two movies, there are at least two solid series of figures we can do for the first film, along with some exclusives and variations. There are the zombie versions of Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa to do, some zombie pirate skeletons, and maybe even an Elizabeth Swann, for all the guys out there,’ said Falk. ‘We get a lot of email about her,’ he added. ‘I loved the two pirate skeleton buddies that were always together in the movie; the one with the glass eye and the heavyset guy. I’d love to do those for the second series,’ said Falk.”
From the Miami Herald
July 16, 2004
One more try
Touchstone Home Video has set a new release date of Oct. 19 for Tim Burton's fantastic Ed Wood, starring Johnny Depp as the world's worst filmmaker. The disc, which had been previously scheduled for release then canceled -- twice -- will include a slew of extras, including deleted scenes, commentary tracks and featurettes, for $30.
From Welwyn & Hatfield Times
July 14, 2004Hollywood star Johnny at Hatfield House for film?
The gardens at Hatfield House
Johnny Depp
FILM star Johnny Depp is among the cast believed to have been on a hush-hush film shoot in Welwyn Hatfield.
Director Tim Burton and the cast were hard at work on the blockbuster Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the grounds of Hatfield House for a fortnight.Johnny is believed to have taken the lead role of Willy Wonka, a reclusive chocolate-maker who opens his factory, which is staffed by Oompa Loompas, to lucky golden ticket winners. Hatfield House, film producers and Warner Bros were keeping details firmly under wraps. Filming finished on July 6.
Hatfield Town Council chairman John Hawkins said it was great that Hollywood seemed to love Hatfield.
“I’m absolutely delighted that after the successful filming here of Saving Private Ryan, Hatfield was chosen as the site for this latest film with its big-name stars.
“It’s very flattering for our town and further recognition that Hatfield is fast becoming the place to be.
“It helps me in my determination to raise the profile of Hatfield.
“I wish this latest production every success and hope it will encourage other filmmakers to use Hatfield.”
Hatfield Town Council clerk Peter Clark added: “We welcome any filming in Hatfield, particularly when it brings business into the town.”
The film is scheduled for release in July 2005.
Emma found the St Tropez photos (see below) in PEOPLE with this:
July 26, 2004
Star TracksJohnny's Short Cut SAINT-TROPEZ, JULY 8, Johnny Depp sports a newly cropped do while visiting the French Riviera. The actor's clean-cut look comes just in time for his role in the remake Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which he recently began filming in England.
** and Sam reports the St. Tropez pics also gets a full page in the Faces & Places section of US Magazine, July 26th issue. p. 28Boys of Summer! It's raining men -- hallelujah! As the weather heats up, so do Hollywood's sexiest studs.
Large St Tropez pic where Johnny's clutching a pink cap & small insert photo from his arrival at Letterman last summer. An arrow points to the latter --> "Last year's mangy mane".
Caption: Johnny Depp has gone from hairy hobo to total hottie! On July 8, the actor showed up cleanshaven in St-Tropez, where he spent the afternoon with friends at beachside restaurant and hot spot La Voile Rouge.
Found by Emma
What a Willy WonkaThe Sun
Thursday, July 15, 2004THE new Willy Wonka film was in the goo last night — after a £300,000 camera was dropped into a giant vat of “chocolate”.
It plunged in after a technician failed to secure the wire-held camera. And the crew watched in horror as it plunged into the 3ft-deep tank.
The disaster has delayed filming of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, which stars Johnny Depp as sweet factory boss Willy Wonka.
Insiders say the bill, including paying staff to stand idle, could top £500,000.
One revealed: “When the camera fell it was like a slap-stick scene straight from the movie. A team of riggers had come in specially from the States to set it up over a vat of synthetic chocolate.
“But someone made a mistake and it wasn’t secured properly. The production team didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The camera is probably beyond repair.”
The film of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book also stars schoolboy Freddie Highmore, who plays Charlie Bucket, and Helena Bonham Carter.
None of the actors were present when the accident happened at Pinewood Studios in Iver Heath, Bucks.
A spokesman for the film said: “Technical tests were being carried out to see how close the camera could be moved to the chocolate. A camera did go into the liquid owing to a mechanical fault.”
Found by ljennin1
Interview from Planet Out with Macaulay Culkin
In which Johnny is mentioned in a very different way. Excerpt Follows:Q. Which is interesting, because you seem to have a large gay male following. Why do you think they like you so much?
A. [Laughs.] I have no idea! Honestly, I don't know. But you are so right, because I can tell from my fan letters. They are mostly from gay men, and I have no idea why. But, you know, it's flattering.
Q. Which makes me wonder: If there were a script for a great same-sex love story and they wanted you for the lead, and they said you could have your pick of any actor to play your love interest, which two actors would you request and why?
A. [Laughs.] Hmmm. To be my lover?
Q. Yes.
A. In my movie.
Q. Yes.
A. Hmmm. Well, gosh. I am totally straight, but I would still sleep with Johnny Depp.
Q. Good choice. Man, Johnny wins every time!
A. And, OK, who else would I pick? Gosh! Let me come back to that one so I can think about it more.
A little humor from Bilgemunky
On open Letter to Johnny Depp written on behalf of all guys.
08 JUL 04Dear Mr. Depp,
First, we'd like to congratulate you on a lifetime of exceptional cinematic achievements. Second, we'd like to humbly request you please COOL YOUR JETS ALREADY!!!
Look, you did the whole 21 Jump Street thing with the cool 80's hair, and women swooned. You did the Edward Scissorhands thing, and our girlfriends and wives asked us, "why can't you cut MY hair like that?" Then you came along with Captain Jack Sparrow, and we had to learn to wear eyeliner and sway like drunken swabs in a vain effort to keep up.
And now, now you've gone a bought a FREAKIN' TROPICAL ISLAND!?!? With six white sand beaches, palm trees, and a lagoon??? For the love of Pete, what the hell are the rest of us supposed to do to impress chicks? It's like you're flying to the moon and back, and we're supposed to somehow keep up with pogo sticks. Oh, the humanity!
If you have any compassion at all, any concern for your fellow man, then you'll stop raising this bar ever higher. Just STOP already. And while you're at it, if you could find a way to look a little less attractive (develop a hunchback or something) that would also be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Every Guy on Earth that isn't Johnny Deppeditor's note: Although I wrote this spiteful letter on behalf of all mankind, I'd like to point out that I don't believe a word of it. Johnny - I grovel before thee and hope to be invited to visit your island very soon. -Bilgemunky
Found by TaylorAt E! Online Leslie Gornstein as a July 10, 2004 "Ask the Bitch" question & answer.
Q.Why does Johnny Depp make himself look unattractive?
Lexie Lonsanto, LondonA. Pretty actors are called celebrities. Pretty actors who make themselves ugly are called artists.
You can preorder your Captain Jack Sparrow 18" Action figure with a motion activated sound chip. I've searched many sites taking pre-orders, and the least expensive was Monsters In Motion
and Alter Ego Comics
From Rebecca:
At the very end of a review of "Anchorman" entitled "Grooviest Anchorman of them All" by Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, and I quote"However, the best thing in the movie is, of course, its star, a genius at not 'getting it'. "Anchorman" isn't a classic, like last year's "Elf"--it lacks that film's sweet resonance and coherent plot. Bot it solidifies Ferrell's place alongside Jim Carrey, Jack Black and, when called upon, Johnny Depp, as our best comic actors."
Eleanor Ringel is one of the country's best film critics, always right on the money and beautifully sensitive to nuances other critics miss. She calls JD one of "our best comic actors." Yes!
July 11, 2004This Irish Examiner reports Brad Pitt and Jennifer Annison are looking to buy a home near where Johnny as been house hunting in the Rye area, a tiny seaside area.
The story that will not die is the producers of the next "Superman" film are still trying to get Johnny involved. Here is a quote from USA Today:
"They're going to go with an unknown," said LaBeouf, adding that McG is trying to lure Scarlett Johansson for Lois Lane and Johnny Depp (news) for Lex Luthor
Another story that will not die is the one about Johnny playing Ozzie Osbourne. Nothing has been signed, as of this date.
Following Marlon Brando's death, many have tried to list those stars who are following in his tradition. Here is part of a article from the post-gazette.com:
"His cinematic progeny reads like a Who's Who of Hollywood genius and excess: Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson and Johnny Depp. Scores of actors of both sexes delved liberally into Brando's repertoire of shifting personas for inspiration. "
And from the Washington Post, another article about Marlon Brando mentionion Johnny as one of his acting heirs:
"The irony, of course, is that he founded a new style of movie stardom: rebellious, beyond narcissism, almost countercultural. He established a model of behavior that other actors, from Jack Nicholson to Robert De Niro to Johnny Depp to Sean Penn, would emulate, even as they replaced him. He insisted on the strange: At last granting a TV interview, he cranked into the absurd by kissing poor Larry King on the lips. "
New pictures (from Cassady and Mutley ) of Johnny on vacation in St. Tropez
Found by Sam in the July 19th issue of STAR
Johnny Depp New Lord of the Manor!We already new Johnny Depp was a Francophile, and now it’s safe to call him an Anglophile too. Depp, 41, fell for a $4.7 million Georgian estate in picturesque Rye, East Sussex, during a trip to the U.K. in May, says a source.
Depp famously ditched Hollywood a few years ago for the quieter life in France with his French actress girlfriend Vanessa Paradis, 31, and their two children, Lily Rose, 5, and Jack, 2. Now it is believed Depp will buy the three-story, seven-bedroom English mansion, complete with a pool on 45 acres of land. “Rye would be well-suited for Mr. Depp,” says a source. “I understand he has a fondness for traditional England, and it is almost as through Rye is stuck in time.”
There’s plenty that Depp likes about the U.K. – he dated British supermodel Kate Moss, and based his character in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. So maybe it’s high time for Depp to call jolly ol’ England home.
Excerpt from an article in the Toronto Star
SAME LOOK, DIFFERENT AGEIt's hard to tell the difference between Naomi Watts, 35, and Elisha Cuthbert, 21. And there was much confusion between the Heathers Graham, 34, and Locklear, 42, when they were both in Toronto recently shooting features. Locklear is the one married to a rock star. Leelee Sobieski is a ringer for Helen Hunt though neither seems to be working much lately.
Will Smith (I, Robot) is following hot on the heels of Denzel Washington (The Manchurian Candidate) as an action star. As far as we know, though, Washington was never a rapper.
The OC's Benjamin McKenzie is but a baby Russell Crowe. Sleepover hottie Sean Faris bears an uncanny resemblance to Tom Cruise circa Risky Business. Orlando Bloom, 27, has confessed in print that he wants to be the new Johnny Depp, 41, not that the warranty has run out on the old one.
From Emma
In a story about film from the Valley Voice in the Around Town section"Look forward to another world premiere on Oct. 8, when the Santa Barbara Film Festival hosts the world premiere for "J.M. Barrie’s Neverland," starring Dustin Hoffman, Kate Winslet and Julie Christie. These galas and premieres mark the beginning of a series of special events that will lead up to the 20th anniversary of SBIFF in 2005. "
Found by Emma in the Daily Telegraph
Weekend Magazine- July 10, 2004The shops we can't do without. This week: Octopus
By Charlotte MackanessLeeds is the location for one of eight branches of Octopus, a fashion and home accessories shop that specialises in giving a zany spin to mundane, everyday items. Rubber gloves come in cheery shades with outrageous, ribbon-trimmed cuffs and artificial flowers (£16). Silly they may be, but the gloves are sturdy enough for gardening and completely waterproof.
Rubber has been central to Octopus's development. Edward Kerr Muir started the company with a range of latex braces and ties. This expanded to bags, jewellery and mirrors. Today, Kerr Muir travels the world sourcing innovative products in unusual materials.
Vibrantly coloured bags made from recycled fruit juice cartons hail from the Philippines (£9 to £18). These are waterproof and easy to clean. "That's the beauty of the plastics and rubbers we use: they're durable and easy to care for," says Emma Kerr Muir, Edward's sister, who also works for the company.
Johnny Depp is among the celebrities charmed by Octopus's quirky goods, such as transparent brollies filled with duck feathers that stand on webbed feet (£18).
Found by Emma
Which celebrities do people want to take pictures with most?
By The Associated Press(7/09/04 - NEW YORK) — More people want to have their picture taken with Jennifer Lopez than any other female celebrity. And, it's Will Smith for the male celebrity.
That's the result of a survey by AOL and Popular Photography and Imaging magazine. While 27 percent say they want to be in a snapshot with J Lo, 23 percent say their choice is Oprah Winfrey, followed by Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman -- all in double-digits.
As for men -- 29 percent wanted to stand side-by-side with Will Smith and have their picture taken, followed by Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe. Brad and Jen -- that's Pitt and Aniston -- were also named most photogenic couple.
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
From "Just Me"“Two years after his movie ‘Ma femme est une actrice’ (my wife is an actress) the scenario writer Yvan Attal currently travels between Marrakech and the Paris area. His new film has the rather evocative title: Ils se marient et eurent beaucoup d’enfants (They married and had many children) . His wife Charlotte Gainsbourg plays the principal role at the sides of Alain Chabat, Emmanuelle Seigner and Yves Attal himself. The american actor Johnny Depp will appear in this new comedy. It his his way of saying he loves france, where he lives since several years with Vanessa Paradis.”
Official site: www.ilssemarierent-lefilm.com ( still under construction)
Release date: August 25th, 2004 (France) September 15th, 2004 (Belgium)
Pascalle sent in these great scans of Veronica magazine (Dutch)
and this one from Big Cheese a UK magazine
Trish found this in an interview with Clive Owns from USA Today
The career he admires most?"I look at someone like Johnny Depp and I think, 'That guy can go anywhere,' " he says. "He can turn up in a dress in one movie; he can be a classic leading man in another. He has kept all the options available."
The Johnny Depp Zone opens it's new site today, July 9th! Visit them!
From Biggleswade Today
Willy come or won't he?
08 July 2004
Hollywood star may still film in BiggleswadeKeep your eyes peeled - Hollywood star Johnny Depp could still be coming to Biggleswade.
Filming for Charlie and the Chocolate Factor, based on the Roald Dahl book has now begun.
Although most of it will take place in Pinewood Studios, some scenes will be shot on location.But Warner Bros, who are producing the film, are unable to reveal where shooting will take place until after the cast and crew have packed up and gone.
In January the Chronicle revealed rumours that the star of blockbuster hits including Pirates of the Carribean and Edward Scisorhands was set to film scenes from the new film at Stratton business park.
But as the film was then in the pre-production stages, and did not even have a firm cast list Warner Bros was unable to comment.
Johnny Depp is set to recreate the role taken by Gene Wilder in the original film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, which came to the silver screen in 1971.
For the full story see the July 2 edition of The Chronicle.
21 Jump Street - DVDs get in-depth (or is that 'in-DEPPth'?) with extras
Posted by David Lambert a TV shows on DVD Now
7/08/2004As we've told you, 21 Jump Street is heading for DVD release on Oct. 26st. Now Anchor Bay has let out some brief info regarding extras we will see on this release:
Produced by Stephen J. Cannell, this is the cop show that helped launch both the Fox Network and the career of future Academy Award nominee Johnny Depp. All seasons of this classic show will be released starting with Season One in October 2004. Audio Commentary, Cast & Producer interviews will be included. More TBA
Starring: Johnny Depp, Peter DeLuise, Holly Robinson, Dustin Nguyen
And, despite our humorous article title, we don't actually know yet if Johnny Depp is one of the participants. Even if he couldn't fit it into his schedule, it's still great to know that the people who made this show so great are getting involved with the DVD supplements. We'll be very pleased to hear from them! Stay tuned, and we'll bring you more info about this release just as soon as it's announced.
From Trish
Here is a link to a website that has a poll for the hottest guy for 2004:Vote For Johnny-Click Here by clicking on the word STEM
http://www.nationaleopinie.nl/polls/mister.php?dank=1
We all know that Johnny is the hottest by far out of all these guys, but the rest of the world needs to know it.
Found by Emma
British Elle (Aug 2004) has a preview of a new book called Hotel Babylon in which Johnny is mentioned. The book is a behind the scenes look at London’s luxury hotel industry.Hotel Confidential excerpt
There’s always someone who thinks they can throw a party back in their hotel room. Whether they get away with it or not depends on who they are and how much they’re spending. I remember at one top London hotel, Johnny Depp and Kate Moss had obviously had an “all back to mine” with a group of friends. They ordered 36 bottles of Krug and a load of stuff from room service, then proceeded to host a ****-off party that went on all night. The bill came to something like £12,000. The motto is, the more you spend, the more you can get away with. We delivered earplugs to the complaining guests.
Movies - Reuters
'Secret Window' Tops Home Video Rental Charts
Wed Jul 7, 9:12 PM ET Add Movies - Reuters to My Yahoo!
By Jesse HiestandLOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The Johnny Depp (news) thriller "Secret Window" and Billy Bob Thornton (news)'s comedy "Bad Santa" outpaced the home video debuts of "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" and "Cold Mountain" to maintain their spots atop the rental charts.
The titles finished first to fourth in that order on Video Store magazine's list of top rentals for the week ending July 4. "Secret Window" had weekly rental revenue of $13.3 million, enough for a second week at No. 1, followed by the R-rated and unrated versions of "Bad Santa" with $12.9 million. "Barbershop 2" opened with $12.2 million, and "Cold Mountain" $11 million.
The only other new entry, "The Perfect Score," landed at No. 7 with $4 million.
"Cold Mountain," released theatrically by Miramax, fared far better in terms of sales, topping both Nielsen VideoScan's First Alert DVD and VHS sales charts for the week. The movie sold 421,935 units on DVD and 14,135 units on VHS. "Barbershop 2" placed second with DVD sales of 295,647 units.
The other two new releases in the top 10 were "South Park: Complete Season One," which came in sixth with sales of 57,582 DVD units, and "Blazing Saddles (Special Edition)" in 10th place with 30,044 units sold. Last week's No. 1 DVD, "Bad Santa," fell to third on 143,516 units sold.
'Secret Window' Tops Home Video Rental Charts (Reuters)
The Johnny Depp thriller "Secret Window" and Billy Bob Thornton's comedy "Bad Santa" outpaced the home video debuts of "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" and "Cold Mountain" to maintain their spots atop the rental charts.
Found by Emma and Trish
The Sun
Wednesday, July 7Depp's sheik-up on set
JOHNNY Depp has turned his new £250,000 movie trailer into a BEDOUIN TENT.
The 41-year-old has been staying in the 35ft Winnebago while filming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in Britain.
But despite the plush fittings, Johnny asked producers to replace them with silk and satin drapes, huge cushions, animal hide rugs, sequins and incense burners.
Set creators at Pinewood Studios have now been brought in to do the make-over on location at Hatfield House, Herts.
A film insider said: “Johnny already has the biggest trailer on set but wasn’t happy with it.
“He’s a real hippy at heart and he wanted his trailer to look like a Bedouin tent.”
Found by Trish
Almost Johnny Depp news...
The band "Gay for Johnny Depp" has a new album.
Review: Erotically Charged Dance Songs For The Desperate EP
by Gay For Johnny Depp on Firefly RecordingsRelease date: 5th July 2004 Yes, finally Firefly puts an end to our prolonged anticipation and lets us hear this fabled side project from – if rumours are to be believed – certain Deppsters of Instruction and Garrison - and boy, has it been worth the wait! Veering erratically from post-hardcore to pummelling metallic noise, back through to Indie-punk Erotically Charged… is a gloriously wreckless musical joyride through the cluttered underground ghetto of the current new breed of genre-less wonders that sees these five New Yorkers trailblaze a chaotic, hedonistic path of destruction, Back To The Future-style; mounting the kerb of predictability, smashing into The Locust and The Blood Brother’s trash cans and splashing a grimy puddle of discontent over the queue of the next identikit teen-angst wonders.
With song titles like Kill The Cool Kids and At Least Be a Target it comes out at you short and sweet and with all the wide-eyed, vein-busting vitriol of Murder One / Medulla Nocte vocalist Paul Catton whilst simultaneously containing some spectacular bursts of melody amongst the more cathartic moments.A remarkable, breathtakingly fresh release Gay For Johnny Depp will give you the kind of art-rock suckerkiss that’ll leave you gasping for more.
Found by Trish HERE
July 5, 2004
When it comes to which celebrity lips women would most like to plant a smacker on, Johnny Depp's take the most kissable crown (28%), closely followed by Brad Pitt (27%) - both way ahead of David Beckham who scored a lowly 12%. Ageing rockster Mick "Rubber Lips" Jagger came in last place with a mere 1% of the vote.
'Charlie And The Chocolate Factory' Begins Filming
By: W. Andrew Powell on Jul 05, 04 at The GateFor 33 years Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory has been a favorite children's film across the world, mainly because of its warped and fantastic ideas about the most incredible candy factory a kid (or a kid at heart) could imagine. Thanks to Tim Burton though a whole new era of movie goers will soon be introduced to a whole new Charlie And The Chocolate Factory which just began filming last week.
Staring Oscar-nominated Johnny Depp as Mr. Willy Wonka, the film will follow in the footsteps of the original story in which a young boy named Charlie, played in this film by twelve year-old Freddie Highmore, wins a trip to visit the famed chocolate factory that no outsiders have seen for over 15 years. Along with four other children Charlie gets the adventure of a lifetime thanks to finding one of the golden tickets hidden inside Wonka chocolate bars.
According to the press release from Warner Bros. Pictures the other four lucky children in the film will be: Jordan Fry as Mike Teavee; AnnaSophia Robb as Violet Beauregarde; Julia Winter as Veruca Salt; and Philip Wiegratz as Augustus Gloop. Also appearing in the film will be Helena Bonham Carter, David Kelly, Noah Taylor, James Fox, Missi Pyle and Christopher Lee.
This will be the fourth film that Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have collaborated on, including the duo's most praised work: Edward Scissorhands.
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is based on Roald Dahl’s classic tale and is being produced for Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures. Expect to see the film released worldwide in 2005.
Correction: It has been 33 years since the film was first released, not 23 as I incorrectly first noted.
Another story (see below) about Johnny's Island from ANI
'Pirate' Johnny Depp buys an island in the Caribbean!
London | July 05, 2004 3:13:02 PM ISTHollywood hunk Johnny Depp has turned into a real life Pirate of the Caribbean after buying a mile-long island in the Bahamas for 1.9 million pounds.
According to The Sun, the island called 'Little Halls Pond Cay' has six secluded white sandy beaches and a central lagoon surrounded by exotic palm trees.
The tropical island, which is 60 miles south of Nassau, also has a private harbour and staff quarters. (ANI)
and
From Digital Spy
Johnny Depp buys own island
10:48 BST, Monday 5th July 2004 -- by Neil WilkesPirates of the Carribean star Johnny Depp has bought his own desert island, The Sun reports today.
The actor, 41, splashed out £1.9 million on a mile-long isle in the Bahamas as a hideaway for girlfriend Vanessa Paradis and children Lily-Rose Melody, 5, and Jack, 2.
Little Halls Pond Cay comes with six white sandy beaches, a central lagoon surrounded by palm trees, its own private harbour and staff quarters.
Depp is currently filming the sequel to the suprise 2003 hit.
Found by Conny
From Bild.de an online German Magazine, Johnny's first quote about the death of Marlon Brando:
Hollywoodstar Johnny Depp: „Marlon Brandos Tod ist eine ganz große Tragödie.“Translation: Hollywood star Johnny Depp, "Marlon Brando's death is just a huge tragedy. He was an eminent actor and in the end, he deplores the circumstances under which he is rumored to have lived."
Various things almost related to Johnny
Review of a Pirate book that sounds interesting HERE
Paris' latest fashiong include the Pirate look HERE
Found by Dali
Johnny's Island article HERE
Price: $3,500,000
Beds: -n/a
Baths:
Home Size:
Prop. Size: 35 acres
Type: Private Islands
This one mile long and 1,300 ft. wide private island affords elevations to 40 ft. offering spectacular ocean views, six, white sandy, private beaches and an an interior lagoon fully surrounded by elevations granting total privacy. Present constructions are a comfortable and upscale cottage with exceptional scenery, one small cottage at one of the beaches, one luxurius cottage with living area and brick woodfire oven, and a technical area with power generator, Watermaker, etc. There is approval to open a channel at the west side of the island leading to the interior, in order to build a private harbour. Land area between future channel, lagoon and sea has been delimited for the construction of the future main villa.
From Reuters
Marlon Brando dies at 80
Fri 2 July, 2004 19:11RELATED ARTICLES
Facts on Marlon Brando
Brando remembered as colorful"There was a sense of excitement, of danger in his presence, but perhaps his special appeal was in a kind of simple conceit, the conceit of tough kids"
Critic Pauline KaelBy Kevin Krolicki
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Marlon Brando, the reclusive Oscar-winning actor who was one of the most influential stage and screen performers of his generation, has died at age 80, associates say.
The cause of death was not immediately known. Media reports citing family friends and Brando's lawyer said he died at a Los Angeles area hospital on Thursday. His agents, citing Brando's long-held desire for privacy, confirmed his death but declined to give details.
With his broken nose and rebellious nature, Brando established a more naturalistic style of acting and defined American macho for a generation with classic performances in "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951), "The Wild One" (1953) and "On the Waterfront" (1954).
Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Brando in "Apocalypse Now", said: "Marlon would hate the idea of people chiming in to give their comments about his death. All I'll say is that it makes me sad he's gone."
To many, Brando remained the motorcycle-riding rebel he played in "The Wild One". Asked what he was rebelling against, Brando replied, "Whaddya got?"
Brando won an Academy Award for "On the Waterfront" and another for his brooding, at times mumbling, portrayal of the patriarch of a Mafia family in "The Godfather" (1972).
But Brando also railed against Hollywood and chafed at the pomp of stardom throughout a stormy career. In 1973, he refused to accept his second Oscar to protest the treatment of American Indians and later professed not to know what had happened to the award.
In more recent years, Brando's brilliance as an actor was overshadowed by his eccentric reclusiveness, the turmoil in his family life and financial disputes.
Christian Brando, his son by his first wife, Welsh actress Anna Kashfi, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the 1990 murder of his half-sister Cheyenne's boyfriend. Cheyenne later committed suicide, in 1995, at the age of 25.
Brando, who was paid a then-staggering $14 million (7.63 million pounds) for his walk-on performance in 1978's "Superman", remained enmeshed in legal disputes over money up until his final weeks.
He poured millions into Tetiaroa, a South Seas atoll he bought in 1966 and where he spent much of the 1980s living out a boyhood fascination with Tahiti rekindled during the shooting of "Mutiny on the Bounty".
He said he only made movies for the money. "Acting is an empty and useless profession," he said.
Still, Brando inspired a generation of rebel actors, including James Dean.
"There was a sense of excitement, of danger in his presence, but perhaps his special appeal was in a kind of simple conceit, the conceit of tough kids," wrote critic Pauline Kael, of the New Yorker.
"Brando represented a contemporary version of the free American," she wrote.
THE UNIVERSAL ACTOR
Brando was born on April 3, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of a calcium carbonate salesman and an actress who coached a local drama group. He was sent to a Minnesota military academy but was soon expelled.
He headed to New York, where his two sisters were studying art and drama. There he took up drama, studying with famed teacher Stella Adler and the Actors' Studio.
"Marlon never really had to learn how to act. He knew," Adler once said. "Right from the start he was a universal actor. Nothing human was foreign to him."
In 1946, critics voted Brando Broadway's most promising actor for his role as a returning World War II veteran in the flop "Truckline Cafe".
Brando broke his nose in backstage horseplay and gained a reputation for being moody. Auditioning for a Noel Coward comedy, Brando tossed the script aside, saying, "Don't you know there are people in the world starving?"
In 1947, playwright Tennessee Williams approved selecting Brando to play the brutish Stanley Kowalski in the stage production of "A Streetcar Named Desire".
Brando resisted Hollywood until 1950, but then turned in memorable performances in Elia Kazan's 1951 film version of "Streetcar" and "Viva Zapata!" (1952), the story of a Mexican peasant revolutionary.
'I COULD HAVE BEEN SOMEBODY'
In "On the Waterfront" Brando played a one-time boxer who turns against his friends and brother in a corrupt union.
In one of the most famous scenes in cinema, Brando tells his brother, played by Rod Steiger, "Oh, Charlie, oh, Charlie ... you don't understand. I could have had class. I could have been a contender. I could have been somebody, instead of a bum -- which is what I am."
In the 1960s, Brando became active in the civil rights movement, especially for American Indians. He sent Indian actress Sacheen Littlefeather to the Academy Award's platform in 1973 to describe the plight of Indians.
Critics both hailed and panned his performances in "Last Tango in Paris" (1972) and "Apocalypse Now" (1979), but Brando was also legendary for being one of his own toughest critics.
"To this day, I can't say what 'Last Tango in Paris' was about," he wrote in his 1994 autobiography.
He also claimed to have talked director Coppola into marginalising his role as the enigmatic Colonel Kurtz in order to heighten the mystery.
"What I'd really wanted from the beginning was to find a way to make my part smaller so that I wouldn't have to work as hard," he said.
In the 1990s, Brando emerged from a decade hiatus to take small roles in minor films, often for outsized fees. He played a Godfather-like mafioso for laughs opposite Matthew Broderick "The Freshman", and his portrayal of a kindly psychiatrist in 1995's "Don Juan DeMarco", opposite Johnny Depp, earned him about $3 million in a movie budgeted at $15 million.
Brando was married three times, choosing little-known actresses as his brides -- Kashfi, Mexican actress Movita Castenada, and Tahitian Tarita Teriipia, who co-starred with him in "Mutiny on the Bounty".
"He's full of deep hostilities, longings, feelings of distrust," director Kazan once said of him, "But his outer front is gentle and nice."
Excerpt from Washington Post article interviewing Adam Bernstein about Marlon Brando.Washington, D.C.: Doesn't Johnny Depp strike you as a younger Marlon Brando?
Adam Bernstein: Depp tends to act with his forelocks. I always see Johnny Depp playing (name the character). With Brando, I always saw the character first.
July 2, 2004
From Ireland OnLine
Hollywood heart-throb Johnny Depp can now be private in the Caribbean after he bought an island.
The Pirates of the Caribbean star's new holiday retreat features six beaches and two cottages, according to America's People magazine.
Realtor John Christie, who sold the hideaway to the actor, is refusing to give up price or name details about Depp's new island, but he confirms the retreat is only accessible by seaplane.
From JoBlo.com
...gimme more Hollywood bad boys!
by Indiana SevThe movie world of the nineties wasn’t just cool because it brought us the bloody and brilliant Tarantino flicks and THE BIG LEBOWSKI; there was at least one more element that made them great: the Hollywood bad-boy. Not a month used to go by without me, at least, hearing or reading about Johnny Depp, Christian Slater or (preferably)
Robert Downey Jr. having a fun run-in with the law. Aaaah, those were the good old days. And not just because of the bad-ass pictures of a long-haired Johnny Depp in a tuque (pronounced *tk* - Canadian for woolen winter hat), goatee and handcuffs, but because of the expected Hollywoodian bad-boy-ism that continued the tradition of such past giants as Dennis Hopper, Marlon Brando, Gary Busey, Sean Penn, Jack Nicholson, Mickey Rourke and, to a lesser extent...Warren Beatty. So I say, c’mon Hollywood, give us back at least one, decent Hollywood bad-boy!!
I used the word “decent” in that last sentence for a reason. I concede that up until last summer, Irishman Colin Farrell had all the opportunities in the world to be the next holder of the bad-boy title, but alas, he became a father and started shooting movies on the other side of the planet for 8 months at a time (thanks a lot, Oliver Stone!) And let’s be honest here folks, all the dude ever really did was curse up a storm, drink till he passed out and bang Britney Spears. Hell, the JoBlo.com team does 2 out of 3 of those every weekend. My point is, he didn’t really look like he ever stood a chance of competing with the craziness that the wonderful trio of Slater, Downey Jr. and Depp treated us to on a regular basis.
I admit, Slater was the less experienced of the three, only making the papers when the other two were having an "off" weekend, but you’ve gotta admit that “being-caught-at-the-airport-with-an-illegal-gun” routine of his never got old. Good on ya, Chris! Downey Jr. was my personal favorite, as his uncanny addiction to drugs always made for those amusing, yet surprisingly believable, courtroom pleas of his that he’d finally learned his lesson...only to be found passed out on the steps of some orphanage a few hours later. Those really were the good old days, sniff, sniff…
Jim Depp was the coolest of the three, never really OD’ing or carrying illegal arms around, but it was enough that Depp regularly busted up a hotel room or two for no apparent reason and then had the decency to let his picture be taken (in outrageous clothes, natch!) for the eventual article in US magazine. Besides, just having been a co-owner of The Viper Room would’ve been enough for him to be a bad boy. Since then, Johnny’s become a family man, Downey Jr. has (unfortunately?) sobered up for good, and Slater’s hair began receding. So, all we’re left with nowadays is Vin Diesel, and that’s only because he refuses to let us in on what planet he’s originally from.
So, I leave it up to you readers. I’d like you all to propose one actor that you think has what it takes to be the next real bad-boy of Hollywood (e-mail me here). Give me one or two great reasons as to why you think he is the one and I’ll write a follow-up article a few weeks from now on the one who got the most votes. Hopefully, it will convince whoever he is to make that extra effort from now on, and be the next Hollywood actor to completely take advantage of his status in life…
Our very own personal Fan Art Purse artist JDOCD aka Kat has a web page! Check it out HERE
Here is a photo of mine.
News for June 2004 HERE
News for May 2004 HERE
News for April 2004 HERE
Latest Vanessa Paradis news HERE
Please do not Hot-link
