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From Nina found in Variety July 29, 2005
A letter from Johnny Depp:Darling Tracey,
Thank you is not nearly enough. You believed in me when no one else did, or would. You stuck by me through great difficulties, ugliness and beauty while others turned away. Your friendship, bravery, wisdom, strength, trust and love know no bounds. I am humbled by your devotion, inspired by your courage and conviction, blessed to have you in my life and proud to call you friend. I love you more than you will ever be able to comprehend.
As the old saying goes, "I'm nothing without you."
Johnny
Several people write monthly asking about Johnny's favorite food - this article explains all
From New Kerala
Johnny Depp’s addicted to sticky toffee pudding!Washington: ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ star Johnny Depp has said that he loves sticky toffee pudding so much that he buys it whenever he visits a traditional English pub in London.
“I love sticky toffee pudding from London. In some cruel way I’ve become dependent on it. If it’s on the table, it’s gone in two seconds - then after the second round I’m sick with worry about the calories,” Contactmusic quoted the actor as saying.
From Cinematical
Though "The Corpse Bride" will not be in the competition, it will be shown at the Venice Film Festival.
From Adel found at London 24Johnny Depp: The reluctant superstar
27 July 2005
JOHNNY Depp might be the most famous man who doesn't want to be famous. He has been twice nominated for Oscars and once voted the "Sexiest Man Alive'' - but awards ceremonies scare him and Hollywood just annoys him.But after his performances in Pirates Of The Caribbean and Finding Neverland, and his latest outing as Willy Wonka in Roald Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, the 42-year-old is suddenly very hot property in Hollywood.
It's not a position in which he is particularly comfortable.
"Very selfishly and simplistically I like keeping a distance from Hollywood and the social expectations there because I'm not good at it,'' he says.
"I find great comfort in having that distance because I don't have that pressure or responsibility of knowing who is the top dog this week and who is out from last week. I don't know who anybody is, and I really like that.''
Instead, Johnny spends six months a year in Los Angeles and the other six at his home on the French Riviera. It is an idyllic family life with his children Lily Rose Melody, six, three-year-old Jack, and their mother, model and actress Vanessa Paradis, 32.
The star says his life started with the birth of his first child. And despite the pressure of his career he is determined not to be separated from them. "The most I've ever been apart from my kids and my girl was four or five weeks and that drove me mad,'' he says.
"One shouldn't have to do that. I can't do it. So, as much as I can, I try and bring them on location with me. If Vanessa's doing a film and I'm not working I'll go on location with them.''
For now that means living in the Bahamas, where he is on location filming the next two instalments of Pirates.
He bought a Caribbean island for about $1.5million this summer, and the family travels with a minimum of 30 suitcases wherever they go.
If life seems rosy now, Johnny has also had his share of bad press, despite his long and respected career.
Film star River Phoenix collapsed and died outside Johnny's club in LA, The Viper Room, in 1993, while the actor has also had a few brushes with the law for trashing a hotel room and a brawl with photographers.
He's also had a number of failed engagements, including to Jennifer Grey, Winona Ryder, and Kate Moss, while his 1983 marriage to Lori Anne Allison collapsed after two years.
A self-styled rebel and high school dropout, his big break came after a chance meeting with Nicolas Cage, who introduced him to his agent - which resulted in a small role in the horror classic, A Nightmare On Elm Street.
He followed that up with a string of roles including an undercover FBI agent in Donnie Brasco, starring alongside Al Pacino, a druggie in Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas, plus parts in Ed Wood and Sleepy Hollow.
Bigger roles started coming his way and in 2003 he took Hollywood by storm with an Oscar-nominated performance as Captain Jack Sparrow in the $300million grossing Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl, before beingnominated again the following year for his portrayal of Peter Pan author JM Barrie in Finding Neverland.
"I try not to think about that kind of thing,'' he says. "I'm really flattered and honoured that I've been able to get the nominations for various awards.
"But that's enough for me. I don't want to go up in front of all those people and say thanks - that just scares me. It would be nice but I don't need it.''
Now all eyes will be on to see whether Charlie And The Chocolate Factory will give him another shot at Oscar success.
He was selected for the part by long-time collaborator, director Tim Burton.
It is their fourth film together since Johnny starred in Edward Scissorhands in 1990. "We were having dinner and he said, 'You know that story Charlie And The Chocolate Factory? Well, I'm going to do it and I'm wondering if you'd want to play...'
"And I couldn't even wait for him to finish the sentence. I said, 'I'm in, absolutely. I'm there, no questions about it'. To be chosen to play Willy Wonka is a great honour,'' he adds, explaining he's a long-time fan of author Roald Dahl.
From Monsters and Critics
Depp's fears for Moss
By Bang Jul 27, 2005, 11:37 GMT
Actor Johnny Depp arrives for the premiere of his new motion picture "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," directed by Tim Burton, at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles July 10, 2005. Depp plays the character Willy Wonka in the film which is based on the novel by Roald Dahl and opens in the United States July 15, 2005. (UPI Photo/Jim Ruymen)
Johnny Depp warned Pete Doherty to quit his wild antics for the sake of girlfriend Kate Moss.
The Hollywood heartthrob - who enjoyed a four-year romance with the stunning supermodel before they split in 1998 - reportedly feared for Kate's future if she stayed with troubled Pete.
The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star - a former hell raiser who was once notorious for his wild man ways - is said to have advised the drug-addicted Babyshambles singer to focus on raising his son by model Lisa Moorish. A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper the pair met when Johnny came to London for the premiere of his new movie, 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'.
The source revealed: "Johnny is still close to Kate and they've remained friends. Since she had her daughter Lila Grace he's been increasingly concerned for her and wants to make sure she is in good hands."
He added: "He had obviously heard about Pete's wild, rock star antics so he had a real heart to heart with him. Johnny was saying how having children had changed his life and that Pete should focus on raising his son Estille and on being a good father."
Earlier this month it was rumoured Kate had dumped the rocker after he got involved in a street brawl.
She reportedly ordered the self-confessed heroin addict move out of her home following his fight in a London street.
List this under "No Surprise"
From TVNZ
Depp tops women's fantasy list
Jul 26, 2005Women have selected Johnny Depp, star of the hit film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as the celebrity they most fantasise about during sex.
According to tootimid.com Depp - who played legendary lover Don Juan DeMarco in a film of the same name - led the pack that included Brad Pitt, Colin Farrell, Tom Cruise and Denzel Washington.
Jude Law, who last week admitted to cheating on fiancee Sienna Miller with his children's Nanny, received the fewest number of votes.
From Catie found at icLiverpool
Depp impactBy Mark Sage, Daily Post
Actor Johnny Depp
JOHNNY DEPP might be the most famous man who doesn't want to be famous. He has been twice nominated for Oscars and once voted the "Sexiest Man Alive" - but awards ceremonies scare him and Hollywood just annoys him.
But after his performances in Pirates of the Caribbean and Finding Neverland, and his latest outing as Willy Wonka in Roald Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, the 42-year-old is suddenly very hot property in Hollywood.
It's not a position in which he is particularly comfortable.
"Very selfishly and simplistically I like keeping a distance from Hollywood and the social expectations there, because I'm not good at it," he says..
"I find great comfort in having that distance, because I don't have that pressure or responsibility of knowing who is the top dog this week and who is out from last week. I don't know who anybody is, and I really like that."
Instead, Johnny spends six months a year in Los Angeles and the other six at his home on the French Riviera. It is an idyllic family life with his children Lily Rose Melody, six, three-year-old Jack, and their mother, model and actress Vanessa Paradis, 32.
The star says his life started with the birth of his first child. And despite the pressure of his career he is determined not to be separated from them.
"The most I've ever been apart from my kids and my girl was four or five weeks and that drove me mad," he says.
"One shouldn't have to do that. I can't do it. So, as much as I can, I try and bring them on location with me. If Vanessa's doing a film and I'm not working I'll go on location with them."
For now that means living in the Bahamas, where he is on location filming the next two instalments of Pirates.
He bought a Caribbean island for about £1.5m this summer, and the family travels with a minimum of 30 suitcases wherever they go.
As he relaxes in a hotel suite, wearing his trademark glasses and a hat on the back of his head, he laughs: "My family are here with me. They're always with me. We're doing all the fun stuff - running around on the beach with the kids, taking them swimming, going out on a boat. They love it.
"But we don't spoil them - we're very careful about that kind of thing."
If life seems rosy now, Johnny has also had his share of bad press, despite his long and respected career.
Film star River Phoenix collapsed and died outside Johnny's club in LA, The Viper Room, in 1993, while the actor has also had a few brushes with the law for trashing a hotel room and a brawl with photographers.
He's also had a number of failed engagements, including to Jennifer Grey, Winona Ryder, and Kate Moss, while his 1983 marriage to Lori Anne Allison collapsed after two years.
A self-styled rebel and high school dropout, his big break came after a chance meeting with Nicolas Cage, who introduced him to his agent - which resulted in a small role in the horror classic, A Nightmare On Elm Street.
"I really have a lot to thank Nic for," he says.
He followed that up with a string of roles including an undercover FBI agent in Donnie Brasco, starring alongside Al Pacino, a druggie in Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas plus parts in Ed Wood and Sleepy Hollow.
Bigger roles started coming his way and in 2003 he took Hollywood by storm with an Oscar-nominated performance as Captain Jack Sparrow in the £300 million grossing Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl, before being nominated again the following year for his portrayal of Peter Pan author JM Barrie in Finding Neverland.
"I try not to think about that kind of thing," he says.
"I'm really flattered and honoured that I've been able to get the nominations for various awards. That was totally unexpected and shocking to me.
"But that's enough for me. I don't want to go up in front of all those people and say thanks - that just scares me.. It would be nice but I don't need it."
While his movie career has skyrocketed recently, he has suffered personal blows, most notably the suicide of his close friend Hunter S Thompson, who penned the book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
"I found out about an hour or two hours after it happened and it was devastating," he remembers.. "He dictated to life what it was going to be like so he made his exit in the same way. But that doesn't make it hurt any less."
Now all eyes will be on to see whether Charlie And The Chocolate Factory will give him another shot at Oscar success.
He was selected for the part by longtime collaborator, director Tim Burton. It is their fourth film together since Johnny starred in Edward Scissorhands in 1990.
"We were having dinner and he said, 'You know that story Charlie And The Chocolate Factory? Well, I'm going to do it and I'm wondering if you'd want to play...'
"And I couldn't even wait for him to finish the sentence. I said, 'I'm in, absolutely, I'm there, no questions about it'.
"To be chosen to play Willy Wonka is a great honour," he adds, explaining he's a long-time fan of author Roald Dahl.
But Johnny admits he felt a heavy sense of responsibility playing such a well-known children's character.
Roald Dahl and his widow, Felicity, were never fans of the first Wonka film, although Gene Wilder's performance remains a popular classic.
So he was relieved when Felicity called his partnership with Tim Burton "the ideal combination" and the movie "absolutely unbeatable".
There's no doubt that the new movie is a treat for the eyes, conjuring up the magical world inside the chocolate factory, and is reportedly much more faithful to the book than the original.
With Freddie Highmore, who starred alongside Johnny in Finding Neverland to critical acclaim, playing Charlie, it's set to be a huge success - with children and their parents.
Part of the magic of filming for Johnny was that his kids loved watching their dad rule over a giant chocolate kingdom.
He even took them onto the set to sample the giant marshmallows and meet an Oompa Loom-pa. "I think both my kids would be closer to Charlie's personality," the actor grins.
"Luckily, they're pretty well balanced, pretty well grounded."
And he admits he was no Charlie as a boy himself. "I would like to think I was like Charlie, but I don't think I was.
"My mum says I was a hellion. I wasn't obnoxious or precocious but I was curious and there were a lot of practical jokes. I got on her nerves basically."
From InTooDepp - scans from current magazines.
July 25, 2005
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Number 1 second week in a row. Domestic Total as of Jul. 24, 2005: $114,106,000
From InTooDepp a whole page of different Johnny Depp Calendars for 2006 HERE
Scans sent in from InTooDepp from US & In Style Magazines:
From the Sunday Mail (take with a large grain or two of salt)
DEPPS: I WANT TO DO FRIENDSHOLLYWOOD'S former hell-raiser Johnny Depp has calmed so much he now wants to make Friends: The Movie.
And the man who used to party with Oasis says his new heroes are the Tellytubbies and the Wiggles.
Eccentric Johnny is in Britain to launch his film, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, in which he plays sweet-maker Willie Wonka.
There has been talk that Johnny based his helmet-haired, pale character on Michael Jackson.
'No,' said his director and friend Tim Burton. 'It was based on his sister La Toya.'
And Johnny joked: 'Now we are going to make Friends: The Movie.'
Johnny and French singer Vanessa Paradis have two children, Lily Rose, six, and Jack, three.
He groaned: 'They are growing out of the Wiggles and the Tellytubbies. 'I want to keep watching them. And I probably will
From Chiko limited time available - WMV file of London Premier HERE
From Charly found at mymovies another one HERE
From MistressQuickly found at Swedish TV another interview (in English) limited time click on Johnny's pic and "SPELA" HERE
From the Irish Examiner
23/07/2005 - 12:37:26 PM
Depp reveals secret of true lovePirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp has urged lovers to respect one and other if they want a long and happy relationship.
The actor has been with actress Vanessa Paradis for eight years and insists their relationship is just as special now as when they first met.
He says: "Trust, have fun and respect for one another. Respect for one another's privacy. Respect for what the other person does in their chosen profession. And obviously a whole lot of love.
Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp has urged lovers to respect one and other if they want a long and happy relationship.
The actor has been with actress Vanessa Paradis for eight years and insists their relationship is just as special now as when they first met.
He says: "Trust, have fun and respect for one another. Respect for one another's privacy. Respect for what the other person does in their chosen profession. And obviously a whole lot of love.
"Vanessa was like a bolt of lightning. She has success on her own terms and when we met it wasn't like she was anything other than this sweet, cool, funny girl.
"I'd never experienced anything like that before. She gave me these two beautiful kids."
A new book about Johnny - hardcover
From SFGate
DEPP BUYS DRINKS FOR WHOLE PUB
Hollywood hunk Johnny Depp bought drinks for an entire London pub yesterday to celebrate the British premiere of new movie "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."The actor had just left the red carpet event when he paid a surprise visit to famous Leicester Square pub Waxy O'Connors, and quenched the thirst of more than 50 tourists and Londoners.
And his generosity didn't end there -- on the way home he immensely boosted the profits of a homeless person, buying ten copies of charity magazine The Big Issue.
One customer says, "It was absolutely unbelievable. We were just enjoying a pint and all of a sudden people started whispering that they thought Johnny Depp had just walked in.
"He had some security with him and he was grinning. He spoke to his entourage and said this one was going to be on him.
"And with that he proceeded to buy more than 50 people a drink."
From the Tribune Chronicle
DeppBy ANDY GRAY Tribune Chronicle
Drawing power is absolute power in Hollywood, and Johnny Depp reached the lofty heights of the $300-million club in 2003 with "Pirates of the Caribbean.''
Not only was the movie a huge commercial hit, but the consensus was that Depp's inspired portrayal of Capt. Jack Sparrow was the primary reason for its success.Many actors would use that newfound power to draw a bigger paycheck, ask for a higher first-dollar gross, demand greater on-set amenities and pursue commercially safe projects to maintain their status.
I'm sure Depp's paycheck has grown since setting sail on the Caribbean, but no one will accuse him of playing it safe.
It's hard to imagine "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'' getting made, certainly not at this budget, without the studio rationalizing that Depp's hoped-for bankability was justification for the investment.
"Charlie'' may be the oddest $100-million movie in history, but Warner Bros. should have expected nothing less from the twisted triumvirate of Depp, director Tim Burton and original "Charlie'' author Roald Dahl.
Each is an iconoclast in their chosen profession. Dahl's books breaks the mold of what's expected from children's literature. Burton's films find beauty in
the macabre and heroes in oddballs like "Edward Scissorhands'' (another Burton/Depp collaboration). And only Depp would draw inspiration from such bizarre sources as Ronald Reagan and Casey Kasem for schlock filmmaker "Ed Wood'' or Rolling Stone Keith Richards for his money-making pirate.
With his pageboy haircut and deliberately enunciated line delivery, Depp's Willy Wonka is an amalgamation of Mister Rogers, a teen-aged girl, Howard Hughes and (even though he's been denying it interviews) Michael Jackson.
Burton and screenwriter John August ("Big Fish'') hew closer to Dahl's source material than the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder, but the basic plot remains the same.
A reclusive candymaker has a worldwide contest that will let five children get a tour of his magical factory. The winners are a miserable lot for the most part: gluttonous Augustus Gloop, spoiled rich kid Veruca Salt, bratty over-achiever Violet Beauregarde and mean, video-game-playing Mike Teavee.
The final winner of a golden ticket is Charlie Bucket, a sweet kid who leads a poor-but-happy life with his parents and all four grandparents in a tiny misshapen house that appears to be melting like one of Dali's clocks.
One by one, the children's character flaws (flaws that have been nurtured and indulged by their parents) land them into trouble in Wonka's world, all except for Charlie, of course.
This movie also offers some back story on the confectioner himself, show how young Willy was the son of a dentist obsessed with oral hygiene who withheld sweets (and apparently affection) from the child.
The production design is a marvel. The story itself may be dark, but it plays out in a candy-colored world where waterfalls run with chocolate and candy apples grow on trees.
Burton fills the tale with movie in jokes, whether it's a quick visual reference to "Edward Scissorhands,'' an Esther Williams' style water ballet performed by the Oompa Loompas (all played by Deep Roy with the aid of computer animation) and homages to "2001: A Space Odyssey'' and "Psycho.''
Depp's off-kilter line readings bring an air of unpredictability to the proceedings, and he singlehandedly draws laughs with dialogue that would have passed without notice otherwise.
And yet, for all its charms, the lasting impression of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'' is its oddness. The underlying theme about the importance of family above all else seems tacked on in a movie that seems more concerned with eye-catching visuals and manufactured quirkiness for most of its running time.
I enjoyed "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,'' but its pleasures were fleeting, like a lollipop, rather than truly satisfying.
From Hello
19 JULY 2005Johnny Depp has never been one for playing it safe. His preference for off-beat movie roles has earned him a reputation as one of the industry's best actors, and that same free spirit now looks set to make him a bonafide style icon.
Over the past few weeks Johnny has made some unforgettable fashion statements as he hit red carpets around the world to promote his latest film Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.
ndeed the influence of several years living in Paris seemed to be having an effect when he stepped out at Claridges Hotel in London wearing a beret and striped brown jacket complete with wallet chains dangling from his belt-loop.
That same French headdress made another appearance a few weeks later in Billingsgate Market, although this time it was complemented by a wide-collared shirt and retro-style blue suit. The movie's first LA screening was a rather more chocolatey affair, however, with the leading man sporting a cocoa-coloured blazer and brown Fedora hat.
Given that he always like to stay one step ahead of the latest trends, Johnny also takes care with his choices of footwear. Thirties-style two-tone shoes have been de rigueurat recent events, while those famously brown eyes have been keeping their cool behind a variety of purple and blue-lensed shades.
In the film's promotional poster the 42-year-old is in a rather more formal, albeit equally striking, mood. Willy Wonka, it seems, prefers to make a more refined impression with a tailored velvet coat, top hat and cane.
From the New York Daily News
Johnny, we hardly knew yeJohnny Depp is a master of mashed-up mannerisms. His inspiration for Capt. Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean" mixed character studies of Rolling Stone Keith Richards and cartoon skunk Pepé Le Pew. The two-time Academy Award nominee has, in fact, been "sampling" from other personalities his whole career, from his early work in "Cry-Baby" to this week's No. 1 movie at the box office, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Sometimes he acknowledges who he was thinking of when he creates a character. And sometimes ... well, we have our own theories.
From InTooDepp
From Gilbert's Girl transcribed from the Radio Times July 23-29 edition, Johnny is on the cover from Venice 2001, anyway seding you the articles .King John
As the new film version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory hits cinemas, RT film editor Andrew Collins marvels at the magic of Johnny Depp.I wish I'd been the one to spot it, but the honour goes to creatives behind ads for a satalitte movie channel a few years ago. They montaged clips of Johnny Depp, but treated them to resemble 1920's film stock: black and white and scratchy.
Each showed a wordless facial reaction with piano accompaniment. the thesis: Depp is the great silent star who never was. That's Depp in a nutshell. He's thoroughly modern-trendy, offbeat, rock 'n' roll- and yet there;s something deeply old fashioned about him. He's modern classic combining iconoclasm with a crowd-pleasing populism that's finally made him bankable as well as cool, thanks to Pirates of the Caribbean. After acheiveing cheesy fame in the late 1980's in TV cop show 21 Jump Street, Depp found a more artistic kind under under the guidence of director Tim Burton. His fourth collaboration with Burton they're a toy box Scorsese and De Niro - is Charlies and the Chocolate Factory. It threatens, after Finding Neverland, to make him a d**k Van Dyke with attitude.
So what's his secret? Dashing good looks arn't enough ( although fans of Chocolat may disagree); nor are the column inches accrued during his wild years smashing up hotel suites and dating Kate Moss. It might simply be eternal youthfulness, even in his early 40's, or simply a knack for looking like he's having a fantastic time.
The only Hollywood actor I've ever met who smoked during the interview, Johnny Depp is Errol Flynn and Marlon Brando combined. It shouldn't work, but it does.
Johnny Depp apprears on Blue Peter on Mondy (BBC1). And Friday is a busy day for Depp fans: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is released in cinemas, Sky Movies Johnny Depp Long Weekend begins with Nick of Time (Sky Movies 2) and Johnny Depp: Under His Skin on BiographyThe Man With the Child in his Eyes
Roald Dahl's widow Felicity Dahl recalls meeting the perfect person to fill Willy Wonka's shoes.I first met Johnny Depp when he came to a fundraising dinner for the Roald Dahl Museum three or four years agao. He was delightful: beautifully mannered, charming the perfect guest.
I was struck by how shy he is. I found him suprising in some ways: in his love of wine and liturature. What stands out though, is his deep understanding of children. One of my grandchildren, Oscar, who is an extremely bright boy, was asking him deep questions about playing Willy Wonka. At the end of thier conversation, Johnny said, " Would you like an autographed photograph?" Oscar looked at him and said, "What on earth would I want that for?" The most wonderful smile came over Johnny's face. I think that like Roald, Johnny can get into the mind of a child. He's very family-minded and obviously adores his children.
In fact, he has the that wonderful childlike sense of humour. You've only got to see the film to see what I mean. His humour as Wonka is very quiet and subtle. There's one scene when Mike Teaveee jumps into a camers and disappers. Wonka turns to his father and says" Well, we may be able to save half of him. Which half would you prefer?" the way Johnny delievers the line and looks at the father, who's not a nice character, is very Dahl-esque.
Johnny was always in the top three of our wish list of people to play Wonka, and I think the film's wonderful. Much of that is down to the special relationship between Johnny and Tim Burton. Johnny's approach to the character was very much between him and Tim. They'd never have allowed anyone else in on how they were appraoching it.Tim brought Johnny to dinner. He couldn't wait to show him Roald's hut. Its very much a Charlie Bucket home: simple, and stained with nicotine. We looked at the original drafts of the book - there are six, as Roald did massive rewrites and character changes. Johnny loved reading them. He said, "This is Charlie Bucket's home. He's still around. Ther's magic here."
Every woman idolises Johnny, and you think,"What can this person be like?" I don't swoon over him, but it was lovely to meet such a gentle, graceful person.
By Anna Hunt.
From the OC Register
A very sweet win for Depp, BurtonThe Associated Press
Willy Wonka ruled the weekend as Johnny Depp and Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" debuted with $56.2 million.
Opening in second place was the comedy "Wedding Crashers" with $33.9 million.
Both films did slightly better than their studios had estimated on Sunday. The strong debuts paced Hollywood to its second-straight weekend of rising revenues after a slump that lasted nearly five months.
The top 12 movies took in $155.7 million, up 10.5 percent from the same period in 2004.
The top movies at North American theaters Friday through Sunday, followed by distribution studio, gross, number of theater locations, average receipts per location, total gross and number of weeks in release, as compiled Monday by Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. and Nielsen EDI Inc. are:
1. CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, Warner Bros., $56,178,450, 3,770 locations, $14,901 average, $56,178,450, one week.
From the London Free Press
Johnny Depp perception
Recent box office success has movie moguls looking at the actor with fresh eyes.
JIM SLOTEK, Special to The Free Press 2005-07-19 01:22:41NASSAU, BAHAMAS -- Move over George Hamilton. Johnny Depp is dark; mahogany dark, like a light-roast coffee bean in the sun.
"What can I tell you? Three months on a boat," says the actor, who's been filming two consecutive sequels to Pirates of the Caribbean for nine months-plus in this ex-pirate sanctuary turned pina colada paradise.
"I'm not using any sunblock at this point," says Depp, who owns a 14-hectare island not far from Nassau. "You do when you start out because the sun out here will really take a bite out of you if you don't. But I've sort of levelled off. I don't think I'll get any darker than this."
What makes his complexion more dramatic is that he's doing interviews to talk about pal Tim Burton's predictably out-there Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, adapted from Roald Dahl's classic children's book.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opened strongly, leading the box office on the weekend with a debut of $55.4 million.
In it, Depp plays the weirded-out chocolatier Willy Wonka with a deathly pale face and a silly, scared, geeky, socially maladroit manner, accompanied by odd mannerisms like a hand over the mouth when he giggles.
Depp, Burton and the producers of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory aren't thrilled that some who've seen it feel the characterization evokes Michael Jackson.
"It actually never crossed my mind. Michael Jackson was not an ingredient or inspiration to the character at all," Depp says.
"A few people have mentioned it and it kind of took me by surprise. I can on some level understand it, the look a little bit may evoke that. But you could just as easily think of some reclusive germophobe like Howard Hughes as well. Roald Dahl wrote this character in 1964 and Michael Jackson was a wee lad then."
Burton's response to the Jackson thing is to laugh derisively.
"Here's the deal: Michael Jackson likes children, Willy Wonka can't stand them," the director says. "To me, that's a big difference in the whole persona, y'know?"
What is obvious is the dark-minded Burton and the challenge-minded Depp have again collaborated on a movie about a gifted outsider -- a vibe that goes back to their first film together, Edward Scissorhands.
As those who've read the book or seen 1971's Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory know, the story involves the announcement by the reclusive candymaker that he will allow five children to tour his mysterious and reputedly magical factory. Said invitations are included, lottery-like, in random Wonka Bars shipped around the world.
The hero of the story, Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore, who also played opposite Depp in Finding Neverland), is a poor lad who lives with his entire family in a one-room house and gets his invitation in a bar he buys with money he finds on the street.
Charlie and the other kids -- a uniformly spoiled-rotten lot that includes Veruca Salt, Mike Teavee, Violet Beauregard and the porcine Augustus Gloop -- are led with media fanfare into a foundry that is part Fritz Lang industrial nightmare and part fantasyland (with a touch of 2001: A Space Odyssey).
The setting dovetails with Burton's love of pastel-hued, heightened reality. There are marshmallow plants, cream-filled buttercups (edible according to Highmore), a chocolate river that stank, trained attack squirrels and the Oompa Loompas, all played by the small-sized actor Deep Roy and then digitally multiplied.
And there's Wonka himself, whose ulterior motive for inviting children into his world seems sinister on the surface, especially when they start falling prey to their own gluttony.
"It's good fun playing characters like Wonka, Capt. Jack (from Pirates of the Caribbean), Raoul Duke from Fear and Loathing (in Las Vegas) -- characters that can do things I would never dream of doing or speak to people in a way that I would never bring myself to," Depp says.
"The material was seductive, but the fact that Tim was doing it was the catalyst. He went out on a limb for me in 1990 with Edward Scissorhands. And that's something I will never forget.
"And over the years (in collaborations like Sleepy Hollow and Ed Wood), he's had to butt heads with studios to get me because I wasn't very popular with studios. So there's a bond and a love and respect that will be there forever.
"And he also happens to be one of the most interesting filmmakers of all time, in my opinion."
Of course, things have changed since the box office success of Pirates. Depp is now a top-ranked draw and is being paid a reported $37 million for the two Pirates sequels.
Says Burton: "This was the first time I didn't have to talk anybody into it."
Both take pains to praise Gene Wilder for his performance of Wonka in the 1971 movie, although Burton makes it clear he doesn't think much of the original film.
Dahl hated it. But according to producer Richard Zanuck, Dahl's widow has seen Burton's version and "is thrilled by it."
Both Burton and Depp tell almost identical stories about how the Wonka characterization came about -- inspired by, according to Depp, "guys like Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Greenjeans and local guys like Uncle Al, and how odd it was the way they spoke, this bizarre musical rhythm and cadence to their speech pattern."
Depp had a ready-made test market for his characterization in his home in France, where he lives with model-actor Vanessa Paradis and their children, Lily-Rose and Jack.
"I tested it on Lily-Rose to see if I was going in the right direction with the sound of this voice," he says. "We were playing and I started to use the Wonka voice and she kind of lit up a little bit, like, 'Where's that coming from?' And I thought, 'All right, I think I'm on the right track here.' "
Being in Cruise/Hanks territory is an odd place for Depp, an actor without a persona.
"He's like a character actor in a leading man's body," Burton says. "He's more like Lon Chaney than a leading man. He likes to transform, play different characters in different movies. He's an actor that you'd think about perhaps even for female roles."
Depp is self-effacing about his looks. Asked about his appeal at 43 to young women, he says, "Gosh, I don't know. I think it's that they see some of my movies and feel sorry for me."
Dressed down in jeans and a worn white cotton shirt, he says, "I remember when I was really, really young, three or four, and my mom and dad dressed me up as a hobo for Halloween. And the only difference between what I looked like then and now is that they drew a little more beard than I'm able to grow."
He's not overly serious about how he got where he is ("That's what the ride is for the moment, it'll always change"), but he seems serious about what to do with it.
"I've been doing things that I've chosen to do for quite a good stretch now. And that small core group of people -- and I hate to use the word fans -- that small core who've stuck with me all these years, y'know, I feel good for them. Because great masses of people decided to watch Pirates of the Caribbean, they don't have to hang their heads in shame. At least not so much."
From the News-Press
'Chocolate Factory' ties
Son of author endorses remake of classic
By Drew Sterwald
dsterwald@news-press.com
Published by news-press.com on July 19, 2005Movie critics are divided, but the son of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" creator Roald Dahl adores the new movie adaptation of his father's famous fable.
"It couldn't have been any better," said Theo Dahl, who watched the movie Friday night with the ticket-buying public at the Bonita Springs 12 multiplex. He lives in Estero with his wife, Madeliene, and newborn daughter, Alexa.
"It's different but it's good," Dahl said after the screening. "It's closer to the book" than the 1971 movie version.
Despite mixed reviews — some of which called the movie dark and Johnny Depp's performance creepy — "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" shot to No. 1 with weekend ticket sales of $55.4 million in North America.
Director Tim Burton — whose edgy imagination has spawned offbeat hits such as "Edward Scissorhands," "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Ed Wood" — ran the risk of turning off devotees of the sugary 1971 movie. And Depp's characterization of quirky chocolate wizard Willy Wonka has raised eyebrows among critics, some of whom accused him of channeling Michael Jackson.
Bosh, according to Theo Dahl.
"It was picture perfect," he said.
Anthony Newley's songs are gone, but you'll still see Violet Beauregarde blow up like a giant blueberry.
Even with added flashbacks of Wonka's bleak childhood, the new movie is more true to the spirit of his father's book, said Dahl, 44. It should appeal to adults as well as children, he said.
The morality tale involves five children who win a tour of Wonka's top-secret confectionary; through a series of bad choices, all but good-hearted youngster Charlie Bucket suffer a punishing fate.
The Dahls visited the movie set in England during filming but were not involved in the production.
"We had lunch with all the kids," said Madeliene Dahl, 40. "Freddie (Highmore, who plays Charlie) was a very sweet boy."
Unfortunately, she felt ill the day she was to meet Depp — and that's how she discovered she was pregnant.
Theo Dahl attended the July 10 world premiere in Hollywood, but his wife had to stay behind because she'd just had Alexa, who is 3 weeks old.
Friday night marked her first chance to see the completed film.
"Tim Burton is right on the mark," she said. "I'm really, really happy."
The Dahls signed copies of the book and other Wonka merchandise Friday and Saturday at local movie theaters. They appeared at ease in the public eye, chatting and laughing easily while scribbling autographs and occasionally noshing — on chocolate, of course.
The couple met 10 years ago on Captiva Island, where Madeliene worked and Theo visited a sister who lived there. From time to time, they appear locally, promoting literacy as well as Roald Dahl's legacy. Besides "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," the British author wrote the children's classics "James and the Giant Peach" and "Matilda" and lesser-known fare for older readers.
Theo Dahl was 4 when his father dedicated "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" to him.
The two were close, especially after an accident in which Theo's baby carriage was struck by a taxi in New York City when he was just months old. He suffered severe head injuries and brain inflammation.
Theo and his sisters grew up in the English countryside, hearing stories from their father every night at bedtime.
Roald Dahl died of leukemia in 1990; Theo's mother, actress Patricia Neal, remains active and occasionally visits her son in Fort Myers.
Would his father be pleased with the new version of the beloved book?
"I think so," Theo said. "He had full control over everything when he was alive. It's possible it wouldn't have been remade at all."
From Yahoo News
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory shatters IMAX box office records with golden opening weekend in IMAX(R) theatres
Tuesday July 19, 7:30 am ET
Film Posts Biggest Three Day Opening for an IMAX Hollywood Simultaneous Release
Strong Debut Helps Break Record for IMAX's Highest Grossing Summer WeekendNEW YORK, NY, July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The IMAX Experience opened to enthusiastic audience reception and record breaking box office performance this past weekend. The film debuted in a record 65 North American IMAX® theatres - the widest domestic IMAX opening to date - grossing an estimated $2.21 million over the three-day period from Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17, for a per screen average of more than $34,000. In addition to establishing a new three-day opening record, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The IMAX Experience also set single day box office records with the biggest opening day, Saturday and Sunday for an IMAX digitally re-mastered release.
"Early research shows that everyone from eight to eighty loves Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at IMAX theatres," said Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "IMAX offers moviegoers a special and unique way to experience our tentpole films, and given the overwhelmingly positive audience response to The IMAX Experience®, we look forward to strong results for weeks to come. This film and Batman Begins are a great one-two summer punch in IMAX's format, and we've been very impressed with the incremental box office IMAX theatres are contributing."
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The IMAX Experience had a phenomenal all-record breaking opening largely due to its wide audience appeal and the great integrated marketing campaign Warner Bros. Pictures executed to launch the film," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "IMAX continues to gain traction with each successive day-and-date Hollywood release, and we are increasingly pulling people off of their couches to experience today's biggest event films in IMAX's format. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has incredible word of mouth coming out of its first weekend, and Batman Begins continues to show strong legs in IMAX theatres, which has us confident our blockbuster summer film slate will continue generating impressive box office returns throughout the season."
Concluded Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment, "When you see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the IMAX screen, it becomes completely obvious why we set out to offer today's biggest Hollywood films in the most immersive film format in the world. Tim Burton's brilliant telling of the Roald Dahl classic is a feast for the senses in IMAX - you're completely engulfed in the vivid colors, entertaining score and adventure of the film. Warner Bros. Pictures has delivered another picture that is ideally suited for the IMAX canvas, as evidenced by the exceptional consumer response and record breaking debut."
From Monsters and Critics
Johnny Depp's films are a family affair
By WENN Jul 19, 2005, 3:59 GMT
Printer Friendly Pageprinter friendly Email this article to a friendemail this article Access M&C's RSS FeedsActor Johnny Depp is so unhappy without his family around him - he forces his wife and two children to join him on location when he's shooting movies.
The Finding Neverland star has never been parted from his actress wife Vanessa Paradis, daughter Lily-Rose Melody, six, or his three-year-old son Jack for more than a month.
And he refuses to put his career over his family, so ensures movie bosses know he's bringing his entire family before they book him for a film.
He says, "The most I've ever been away from my kids and my girl has been like four or five weeks and that drove me mad.
"One shouldn't have to do that. I can't do it. So as much as is humanly possible, I bring them with me on location.
"If Vanessa is doing a film and I'm not working, I'll go on location with her. I have to have them around."
Vote for Johnny's Style and see some photos of his different looks HERE
DeppCon 2005 report and photos HERE
If you have DeppCon photos, please email them to Kazren.
Disney employees were able to see a short peek at "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" last week - details will be showing up on our POTC2 pages. Serious spoiler news here
From CNNDepp: 'I am going to do it on my terms'
'Charlie' actor has followed his heart in shaping career
(excerpt)
Monday, July 18, 2005; Posted: 10:49 a.m. EDT (14:49 GMT)NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) -- Once known as a Hollywood bad boy, Johnny Depp has grown into more of a suburban dad.
These days, Depp can be found at his home in the south of France with singer-actress Vanessa Paradis and their two children, 6-year-old Lily Rose and 3-year-old Jack. So it seems fitting that the latest of Depp's long line of offbeat characters is Willy Wonka in the film version of Roald Dahl's novel "Charlie and Chocolate Factory."
Why play Willy, a role immortalized by Gene Wilder in the 1971 classic? Besides wanting to make his children happy, Depp was eager to collaborate for a fifth time with director Tim Burton, who gave him his breakout movie role in 1990's "Edward Scissorhands."
During an interview at a resort near filming of two "Pirates of the Caribbean" sequels, the 42-year-old Depp was in full Captain Jack Sparrow regalia -- bandanna, gold teeth, unkempt dreadlocks -- as he sat down with The Associated Press to talk about movies, fame and family.
Q: You've said every movie you've done has been for your children, even before they were born. What do you mean by that?
JOHNNY DEPP: In the late '80s when I was on that TV show "21 Jump Street." On the one hand it was a great thing. It was an incredible learning experience. It did a lot for me. I was making money for the first time in my life. That was not bad. There were a lot of very positive aspects to that situation. There were also negative aspects. At that time as a television actor, it was very, very difficult to break into films. ...
I was released (from "Jump Street") while I was doing "Edward Scissorhands," and I swore to myself that I would only work on these films or these projects that I would at least someday be able to say to my kids, 'That was all me. That's pure me. I didn't sell out because I don't want you to be mortified or embarrassed.' So that was what was in my head at the time, just thinking if I am going to this, I am going to do it on my terms. If I am going to fail, I am going to fail on my own terms.
Q: Why do you and Tim Burton work so well together?
DEPP: It all stems from Tim's bravery. Early on for "Edward Scissorhands" we had this great meeting and somehow connected. I never expected that he would cast me in that role. I never expected that he would take the risk on me which was a really big risk at that time. He just did and somehow there is this kind of mutual understanding of things, and a mutual fascination with people, human beings, weirdness, character flaws, human tics and all of that stuff.
Q: It seems you haven't done a straight-up Hollywood film. Would you ever?
DEPP: There were a few things that came around the bend, that they tried to get me involved in. I couldn't bring myself to do it. The seed for me was tainted. There was no redemption in there. It was kind of a sellout for a (lot) of money. You would go in and do the work and take the money, but it wasn't anything that you would be particularly proud of. That, I couldn't do.
I've attempted things in the past where people thought I tried to sell out. For example I did this film "Nick of Time" with (director) John Badham. I don't know if the film was particularly good. I did that film not for money, or not to sell out. I didn't think it was going to be successful at all. I didn't care. I did it because I wanted to work with Christopher Walken and I wanted to work with John Badham. The script was very much like an old school Hitchcock film. All of those elements were intriguing to me so I took it.
Q: If you hadn't left Hollywood for France, do you think you would have a different perspective about fame?
DEPP: No, I don't think so because I come from where I come from. I come from Kentucky. My relatives, and my mom and dad, my sisters and my brother, our life in Kentucky is something that is very strong in my being. In south Florida, we were nomads for years and years, working various jobs for great lengths of time. Dropping out of high school, doing construction, printing T-shirts. Where I come from is what has made me me.
Q: What's this about you buying a cannon to shoot Hunter Thompson's ashes out of?
DEPP: Hunter meant a lot to me. He was another hero and someone that I got to know very well because I played him in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." We got very, very close. He was a great pal, one of my best friends. We had talked a couple of times about his last wishes to be shot out of a cannon of his own design. ... All I'm doing is trying to make sure his last wish comes true. I just want to send my pal out the way he wants to go out.
Q: You've been in a relationship for many years now, so what's the secret?
DEPP: Trust, have fun, respect for one and other. Respect for one another's privacy. Respect for what the other person does in their chosen profession. Obviously a whole lot of love. Vanessa was like a bolt of lighting.
Q: So she knocked you out?
DEPP: Well yeah, because there were no pretensions. She has her success on her own terms and when we met it wasn't like she was anything other than this sweet, cool, funny girl. I'd never experienced anything like that before. She gave me these two beautiful kids.
Q: Is marriage an option? What does it mean to you?
DEPP: Marriage can be whatever you define it as. For example, I don't feel like I need a piece of paper that says I own her and she owns me. I think signing a piece of paper doesn't mean anything in the eyes of God or in the eyes of people. The thing is, if you are together and you love each other and are good to each other, make babies and all that, for all intents and purposes you are married.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Number 1 at the box office this weekend with $55,380,000.00 take!
Don't forget to check the Charlie pages for interviews and articles about Johnny.
One of our heroes, Jo Blo, got a great interview with Johnny HERE
From the Tribune Chronicle
DeppBy ANDY GRAY Tribune Chronicle
rawing power is absolute power in Hollywood, and Johnny Depp reached the lofty heights of the $300-million club in 2003 with "Pirates of the Caribbean.''
Not only was the movie a huge commercial hit, but the consensus was that Depp's inspired portrayal of Capt. Jack Sparrow was the primary reason for its success.Many actors would use that newfound power to draw a bigger paycheck, ask for a higher first-dollar gross, demand greater on-set amenities and pursue commercially safe projects to maintain their status.
I'm sure Depp's paycheck has grown since setting sail on the Caribbean, but no one will accuse him of playing it safe.
It's hard to imagine "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'' getting made, certainly not at this budget, without the studio rationalizing that Depp's hoped-for bankability was justification for the investment.
"Charlie'' may be the oddest $100-million movie in history, but Warner Bros. should have expected nothing less from the twisted triumvirate of Depp, director Tim Burton and original "Charlie'' author Roald Dahl.
Each is an iconoclast in their chosen profession. Dahl's books breaks the mold of what's expected from children's literature. Burton's films find beauty in
the macabre and heroes in oddballs like "Edward Scissorhands'' (another Burton/Depp collaboration). And only Depp would draw inspiration from such bizarre sources as Ronald Reagan and Casey Kasem for schlock filmmaker "Ed Wood'' or Rolling Stone Keith Richards for his money-making pirate.
With his pageboy haircut and deliberately enunciated line delivery, Depp's Willy Wonka is an amalgamation of Mister Rogers, a teen-aged girl, Howard Hughes and (even though he's been denying it interviews) Michael Jackson.
Burton and screenwriter John August ("Big Fish'') hew closer to Dahl's source material than the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder, but the basic plot remains the same.
A reclusive candymaker has a worldwide contest that will let five children get a tour of his magical factory. The winners are a miserable lot for the most part: gluttonous Augustus Gloop, spoiled rich kid Veruca Salt, bratty over-achiever Violet Beauregarde and mean, video-game-playing Mike Teavee.
The final winner of a golden ticket is Charlie Bucket, a sweet kid who leads a poor-but-happy life with his parents and all four grandparents in a tiny misshapen house that appears to be melting like one of Dali's clocks.
One by one, the children's character flaws (flaws that have been nurtured and indulged by their parents) land them into trouble in Wonka's world, all except for Charlie, of course.
This movie also offers some back story on the confectioner himself, show how young Willy was the son of a dentist obsessed with oral hygiene who withheld sweets (and apparently affection) from the child.
The production design is a marvel. The story itself may be dark, but it plays out in a candy-colored world where waterfalls run with chocolate and candy apples grow on trees.
Burton fills the tale with movie in jokes, whether it's a quick visual reference to "Edward Scissorhands,'' an Esther Williams' style water ballet performed by the Oompa Loompas (all played by Deep Roy with the aid of computer animation) and homages to "2001: A Space Odyssey'' and "Psycho.''
Depp's off-kilter line readings bring an air of unpredictability to the proceedings, and he singlehandedly draws laughs with dialogue that would have passed without notice otherwise.
And yet, for all its charms, the lasting impression of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'' is its oddness. The underlying theme about the importance of family above all else seems tacked on in a movie that seems more concerned with eye-catching visuals and manufactured quirkiness for most of its running time.
I enjoyed "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,'' but its pleasures were fleeting, like a lollipop, rather than truly satisfying.
From the SeattlePI
Depp forges career on his terms, with a clear conscienceBy ALICIA QUARLES
THE ASSOCIATED PRESSOnce known as a Hollywood bad boy, Johnny Depp has grown into more of a suburban dad.
These days, Depp can be found at his home in the south of France with singer-actress Vanessa Paradis and their two children, 6-year-old Lily Rose and 3-year-old Jack. So it seems fitting that the latest of Depp's long line of offbeat characters is Willy Wonka in the film version of Roald Dahl's novel "Charlie and Chocolate Factory."
Why play Willy, a role immortalized by Gene Wilder in the 1971 classic? Besides wanting to make his children happy, Depp was eager to collaborate for a fifth time with director Tim Burton, who gave him his breakout movie role in 1990's "Edward Scissorhands."
During an interview at a resort in the Bahamas near where he was filming two "Pirates of the Caribbean" sequels, Depp, 42, was in full Captain Jack Sparrow regalia -- bandanna, gold teeth, unkempt dreadlocks -- as he sat down to talk about movies, fame and family.
AP: You've said every movie you've done has been for your children, even before they were born. What do you mean by that?
Depp: In the late '80s when I was on that TV show "21 Jump Street," on the one hand it was a great thing. It was an incredible learning experience. It did a lot for me. I was making money for the first time in my life. That was not bad. There were a lot of very positive aspects to that situation. There were also negative aspects. At that time as a television actor, it was very, very difficult to break into films. ...
I was released (from "Jump Street") while I was doing "Edward Scissorhands," and I swore to myself that I would only work on these films or these projects that I would at least someday be able to say to my kids, 'That was all me. That's pure me. I didn't sell out because I don't want you to be mortified or embarrassed.' So that was what was in my head at the time, just thinking if I am going to do this, I am going to do it on my terms. If I am going to fail, I am going to fail on my own terms.
Why do you and Tim Burton work so well together?
It all stems from Tim's bravery. Early on for "Edward Scissorhands," we had this great meeting and somehow connected. I never expected that he would cast me in that role. I never expected that he would take the risk on me, which was a really big risk at that time. He just did and somehow there is this kind of mutual understanding of things, and a mutual fascination with people, human beings, weirdness, character flaws, human tics and all of that stuff.
Did you watch the original "Willy Wonka?" Did it inspire how you portrayed your character?
I watched the original when I was a kid. I ended up watching it with my kids, up until it was time for me to play the role of Willy Wonka. (Then), when my kids would put the DVD in, I would run to the next room because I didn't want to be influenced at all. I was really conscious about making sure I went to a different area than Gene Wilder. I loved his character. I loved Willy Wonka as a kid. He was the best thing in it for sure.
Gene Wilder has said "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was only remade to make money and that Hollywood has no business messing with a classic film. What's your take on this?
Somebody sent me an article where Gene Wilder said, "Why would they remake Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?" We didn't remake "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," we remade (the book) "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." It's based on the same book they based theirs on.
Making a statement that they only made this film because of the money is a really odd statement to make from a guy who has been in the business as long as he has ... all movies were made because somebody somewhere wanted a return on their dollar that they spent. Ultimately it's a business. If you can dance around in there and avoid the sharp edges, and understand the game, but not play the game, then you're OK. Of course, it is a dirty business, but that doesn't mean that it's all about money for me. My intentions are as pure as they can be.
It seems you haven't done a straight-up Hollywood film. Would you ever?
There were a few things that came around the bend, that they tried to get me involved in. I couldn't bring myself to do it. The seed for me was tainted. There was no redemption in there. It was kind of a sellout for a (lot) of money. You would go in and do the work and take the money, but it wasn't anything that you would be particularly proud of. That, I couldn't do. I've attempted things in the past where people thought I tried to sell out. For example I did this film "Nick of Time" with (director) John Badham. I don't know if the film was particularly good. I did that film not for money, or not to sell out. I didn't think it was going to be successful at all. I didn't care. I did it because I wanted to work with Christopher Walken and I wanted to work with John Badham. The script was very much like an old-school Hitchcock film. All of those elements were intriguing to me so I took it.
If you hadn't left Hollywood for France, do you think you would have a different perspective about fame?
No, I don't think so because I come from where I come from. I come from Kentucky. My relatives, and my mom and dad, my sisters and my brother, our life in Kentucky is something that is very strong in my being. In south Florida, we were nomads for years and years, working various jobs for great lengths of time. Dropping out of high school, doing construction, printing T-shirts. Where I come from is what has made me me.
What's this about you buying a cannon to shoot Hunter S. Thompson's ashes out of?
Hunter meant a lot to me. He was another hero and someone that I got to know very well because I played him in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." We got very, very close. He was a great pal, one of my best friends. We had talked a couple of times about his last wishes to be shot out of a cannon of his own design. ... All I'm doing is trying to make sure his last wish comes true. I just want to send my pal out the way he wants to go out.
You've been in a relationship for many years now ... so what's the secret?
Trust, have fun, respect for one another. Respect for one another's privacy. Respect for what the other person does in their chosen profession. Obviously a whole lot of love. Vanessa was like a bolt of lighting.
So she knocked you out?
Well, yeah, because there were no pretensions. She has her success on her own terms and when we met it wasn't like she was anything other than this sweet, cool, funny girl. I'd never experienced anything like that before. She gave me these two beautiful kids.
Is marriage an option? What does it mean to you?
Marriage can be whatever you define it as. For example, I don't feel like I need a piece of paper that says I own her and she owns me. I think signing a piece of paper doesn't mean anything in the eyes of God or in the eyes of people. The thing is, if you are together and you love each other and are good to each other, make babies and all that, for all intents and purposes you are married.
From HELLODepp Opens Chocolate Factory in L.A.
Appropriately clad in a chocolate-coloured jacket and hat, Johnny Depp attracted his fair share of attention when he arrived at the Los Angeles premiere of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, in which he plays the weird sweet manufacturer Willie Wonka.Alongside him on the red carpet was his co-star, 13-year-old British actor Freddie Highmore, who is Charlie Bucket in Tim Burton's adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's story. Johnny was keen to work with Freddie again after the youngster's poignant performance as Peter in Finding Neverland.
"I liked my character," Freddie says of his new role. "On the outside it doesn't look like he's got much. He's poor, he eats cabbage soup. But he's kind and he has a family who loves him. So, actually, he's really got a lot."
Depp fans have been eagerly waiting to see how the famously quirky 42-year-old tackles the role of child-hating Wonka, especially under the direction of Big Fish and Planet Of The Apes filmmaker Tim Burton. According to one rumour, another name that came up in the search for an actor to play Wonka was shock-rocker Marilyn Manson. "That would have been an interesting way to go," says Johnny of that possibility. "I think I'd go see it before I brought my kids, though," added the father-of-two.
There were plenty of other attractions for the stargazers at the Californian premiere. Those on celeb-watch will have been thrilled to see Britney Spears at the screening with her husband Kevin Federline. The twosome, who are expecting their first child together in the autumn, have just premiered their reality-documentary TV series, Britney And Kevin: Chaotic, in the States. Initial reactions ranged from "modern art" to "viewer abuse".
From Rebecca
(some adult language)
Johnny and the Factory are featured in the UK's "Empire" magazine this month:In Charlie and the chocolate factory, he is the ultimate man-child. In the Libertine, he's the first punk rocker. From Pinewood to italy via the 16th century London, EMPIRE travels through time and space to live the double life of Johnny Depp...
In the shadow of two bright red trucks emblazoned with the ornate 'W' and across a courtyard packed hard with (fake) snow, the scarecrow figure that is Johnny Depp, as outlandish factory owner Willy Wonker, adjusts his black tunic before leaning in to have a few quiet words in Tim Burton's ear. Burton stands away from his camera and has a little chuckle at whatever Johnny's smiling about. They look happy. They look like two (big) little boys having a good time together-kids in a sweet shop, you might say. Or, to be more precise, kids in a chocolate factory.
As if you didn't know, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory reunites Team Burton and Depp, a kind of modern-day Akira Kurosawa and Torshiro Mifune, with more quirk and fewer swords. Stand by for collaboration No.4 (following Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood and Sleepy Hollow) and expect to enter a world originally created by Roald Dahl but perfectly designed for Burton's particular, wierdly appealing sensibility and Depp's beguilingly child-like demeaner.
"It's fun and it's meant to be fun" Depp says later. "Tim is doing beautiful stuff; the sets are incredible and the work has been a ball. And for me, going back into the ring with Tim is like home. Yeah, right at home, you know, comfortable. I feel like I can do anyhting and he will always pull the reins in or prod me to get me going. He's great."
We are on the backlot at Pinewood studios, outside the titular chocolate factory, an imposing bleak edifice which wouldn't have lookied out of place in Fritz Lang's Metropolis. Around the factory there are cobbled streets (made from plaster but feet-achingly authentic) with rows of terraced houses and shops. A newsagent's boasts a poster advertising Wonka Bars that reads, " It's The Best Chocolate In The World" (it's actually made by Nestle in Yorkshire), copies of the local rag, The Gazette ("Ticket Is A Fake! High Levels Of Pesticide Found In Water!"), and a counter stuffed with chocs and jars of sweets such as bullseyes and candycanes. Opposite, there's the EZ Pawn Shop and Biggles the Toy Shop, a dingy bar and a jeweler's. The overallimpression is of a particulary grim Northern town from the 1950's (think L.S.Lowry), given a Burton twist.
The depth of the set is extraordinary. CGI is to be kept to a minimum, with even the spectacualr chocolate river created for real. Nearby, on one of the nine sound stages utilised by the production, 200,000 gallons of the brown stuff (actually made from a thickening agent used in toothpaste and baked beans mixed with food dye) flows for an impressive 270 feet. It's 6 feet deep, 40 feet wide in places, and features a waterfall that uses another 30,000 gallons of the gloop. It's not chocolate but it is edible-not that you would particularly want to test the theory. Wetsuit-clad crew members dive in each day to make sure that the underwater pumps which keep it flowing are in full working order. It's Burton eye-candy--pun intentional--at full tilt, something Depp clearly finds irrestistible.
"Well, Tim's a friend," he says when asked to explain their relationship. "First and foremost. I love the guy. And yes, we do share a certain sensibility, an outlook about our work. And we go back a long, long way now."
When Johnny Depp first met Tim Burton, it was a form of salvation for the then 26 year old actor. Depp was headlining 21 jump street--yoof cops solve yoof crimes, daddio--gracing the cover of every tean mag, and in his own words, well on his way to becoming "just another piece of expendable hollywood meat"Then Burton tapped him up for the shy, sentistive, stainless steel-mitted Edward Scissorhands. Subsequently, from Ed Wood through Sleepy Hollow's Ichabod Crane and now Willy Wonka, the pair have conjured up a recognisable hero all on their own--a quirky outsider, full of a naive optimisum and bizarro dress sense, sqarely at odds with the conventional world around them.
"It's a theme I've returned to now and again," he says "What society deems normal and abnormal, and who decides and why. There's also the sense of not allowing the worls to throw garbage on you, to try to retain those gifts--curiosity, fascination--that we are given as children."
His own childhood was fractured. His family moved 30 times, mostly in florida, and his father left home when he was a teenager. Depp himself felt like an outsider at every school hge found himself in--finding solace in music--playing in a band called the kids--and eventually acting.
"I did feel like an outsider. I felt completely and utterly onfused by everything that was going on around me. It was the one thing teachers didn't want you to do in school, you know question things. But I always wanted to know why. It was, 'Well, you should do this or you shouldn't do that...' 'Oh okay, why not?' It really pissed them off, but it shouldn't piss them off because it's a fucking valid question. It's the only question"
That intense feeling of suburban dislocation is a theme he explored expertly with Burton in edward Scissorhands, of course. In reality he may not have had 8 inch blades on the ends of his arms, but he wasn't going to buy in to the America tean dream, no questions asked, either.
"I saw these guys and girls competeing for most popular this and that, the prom queen and prom king, and it was like 'Jesus, what bolocks, you know? Absolute crap. I was lucky in that sense. I was raised in such a way that it wasn't like eyes on the prize. It was, 'Just get through it, man, just get what you can get and keep moving'"
"Now that's what I call a big dick," Depp says, and frankly it's hard to disagree. The Worlds Coolest Man and Empire are currently eyeing up a ten foot willy (phallus not Wonka) leaning against a wall, being tenderly cared for by two prop men. We're on the Ise of Man, it's a few months before our Chocolate Factory meeting and we're shacked up with Depp in his Winnebagi, on location for The Libertine. the star has just filmed an impromptu pick-up with Richard Coyle (of coupling fame) in a nearby car park, doubling today for Hampton Court. ("With a bit of smoke swirling all around us, hopefully you'll never know the difference, " Depp grins. "It's all somke and mirrors.") It's the end of a long day and he's uncorked a rather fine bottle of red and invited Empire to share a glass. It would be churlish to refuse.
Taking on the role of John Wilmot, otherwise known as the Earl of Rochester, for The Libertine was indeed a labour of love. Rochester was a 17thy Century rake, a legendary hell-raiser who wrote rather excellent, often exceedingly filthy poetry, a wit who at turns amused and out raged the court of King Charles II, bedded nearly every women he came into contact with and drank far to much before he died, from syphillis, at the age of 33.
"It was one of those rare occurrences where you read a scrift and you think ' This is great.' Three sentences into the opening monologue and I was in. i knew it was one of those things, the kind of material that you see just once. Edward Scissorhands was like that for me."
The Libertine, as you might have guessed, is hardky likely to share a Saturday morning double-bill with charlie and The Chocolate factory any time soon. But, says Depp, it would be wrong to assume that this is little more than a romp with lots of naughtly bits and a liberal use of words that rhyme with runt.
"It's very easy for the take on Rochester to be that he was a pig, a drunk, a randy, psychotic madman. but there are a million things to like about him and thats the beauty of it. And you know, I'm amazed that the majority of people don't know who he is. If people do know him, they go 'Oh yeah, he wrote the bits about the 'pussy' and 'cocks' or ' He made fun of the king with these witty little satires.' But man he was very profound, it's amazing stuff. And I'm amazed that the Marquis de Sade got more action, you know? This guy has been kept in the darkness for too long"
Perhaps it is musing about a life lived at full pelt ("Rochester was like the first punk") that prompts Depp to reflect on times when he was running wild. While he has always loved the work, at times he's struggled to cope with the attention that goes with it. In the early years, he was a poster boy, quite literally, who refused to play the game. Dating Kate Moss, scraping with the paparazzi that followed them everywhere and trashing hotel rooms, this was an angry young man not deaking with the fame thrust upon him at all. He would drink--"self medicate" is how he describes it--to help him get through it all.
"I'd go to functions and back in thoses days I literally had to be drunk in order to speak and get through it. I guess I was trying not to feel anything" he says. " My drug of choice back then was alcohol more than anything. Hard liquor, spirits. And yeah, I had a keen idea that it was not good. But you get liquored up and once you are in that spiral you dont even get hangovers anymore. You wakr upo and have a drink again."
We catch up again in Italy, where depp is tal=king a short hiatus from his Charlie chores. On the terrace of the ludicrously posh hotel cipriani he looks gloriosly incongruous, dressed in ripped jeans and a white shirt, with both wrists, and neck, loaded with beads, bangles and leather straps. his roll-ups at his side, a bottle of water--note water--on the table, he greets Empire with a firm handshake and says "We met on the Isle of Man, right? I love that place. People complain about it, and I don't know why." As the surrounding suits settle into the power brunches, Depp reflects on the security that family life has now given him and the platform it provides to go out and enjoy doing the work.
"It's all about perspective" he says "When your baby comes along you go 'Oh. thats what it's all about...' and all that stuff that was spinning around in my head, all the things I was worried about, when they wrote this about me or when they took that picture outside the restaurant or whatever...All of a sudden I went 'Fuck it who cares?' There's nothing anyone can do to me these days. i'm lucky to have this job and I'll do it until they dont give me gigs anymore."
Depp has probably never enjoyed his work more. Right now, he's filming back-to-back sequels to Pirates of the Caribbean. Having done his pirate research--"They keelhauled people and they did draw and quarter, but walking the plank, it never happened. Earrings, never"--he's up to speed on all the little details, but mostly he's excited at the chance to play Jack Sparrow once again.
"The first film was very well recieved and that's great," he says "But for me, selfishly as an actor, you wind getting to know these characters and, at times, falling in love with them, and then the moment comes where you have to say goodbye to them. And it really beats you up. You have to go through a period of decompression. At least with pirates they are bringing him back and I get to see an old friend again."
It is, he says, all about playing it for real but playing it for fun, too. A bit like being a big kid. And a big kid in a chocolate factory, well, that's something to behold.
Word on the web is that Johnny Depp will be going over to London to attend the Londo Premier of Charlie and the Chocoalte Factory on the 17th.
From the Chicago Tribune
Depp finds delight in odd roles, familyThese days, former Hollywood bad boy Johnny Depp can be found at his home in France with Vanessa Paradis and their two children, 6-year-old Lily Rose and 3-year-old Jack. So it seems fitting Depp's latest offbeat role is Willy Wonka in Tim Burton's film version of Roald Dahl's novel "Charlie and Chocolate Factory."
During an interview in the Bahamas near filming of two "Pirates of the Caribbean" sequels, Depp was in full Captain Jack Sparrow regalia as he sat down to talk about movies, fame and family.
Q. Why do you and Tim Burton work so well together?
A. It all stems from Tim's bravery. Early on for "Edward Scissorhands" we had this great meeting and somehow connected. ... Somehow there is this kind of mutual understanding of things, and a mutual fascination with people, human beings, weirdness, character flaws, human tics and all of that stuff.
Q. Did you watch the original "Willy Wonka"? Did it inspire [your portrayal]?
A. I watched the original when I was a kid. ... [Then], when my kids would put the DVD in, I would run to the next room because I didn't want to be influenced. ... I loved Willy Wonka as a kid. He was the best thing in it for sure.
Q. If you hadn't left Hollywood for France, do you think you would have a different perspective on fame?
A. No, I don't think so because I come from where I come from. I come from Kentucky. My relatives ... our life in Kentucky is something that is very strong in my being. In South Florida, we were nomads for years and years, working various jobs for great lengths of time. Dropping out of high school, doing construction, printing T-shirts. Where I come from is what has made me me.
From Contact Music
DEPP CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY WOMEN LOVE HIMJOHNNY DEPP
Click here to find out more!JOHNNY DEPP is bemused by his effect on women - and is convinced the only reason he has so many female fans is because they "feel sorry" for him.
The modest PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN star assumes his fervent admirers simply want to sort out his fashion sense, and it hasn't even occured to him why he is frequently voted one of the world's most beautiful people in magazine polls.
He says, "My gosh, I have no idea. Maybe it's because they feel sorry for me. Maybe they saw ED WOOD or a snippet of BEFORE NIGHT FALLS and they saw me in drag and they want to give me tips on how to dress as a woman."
13/07/2005 09:35
From the Cincinnati Enquierer
Wednesday, July 13, 2005Depp discusses fame, films, family
By Alicia Quarles
The Associated Press
Zoom The Associated Press / Danny Moloshok
Johnny Depp's portrayal of Willy Wonka in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is his fifth collaboration with director Tim Burton.
ADVERTISEMENTThese days, Johnny Depp, 42, can be found at his home in the south of France with singer-actress Vanessa Paradis and their two children, 6-year-old Lily Rose and 3-year-old Jack. So it seems fitting that the latest of Depp's long line of offbeat characters is Willy Wonka in the film version of Roald Dahl's novel "Charlie and Chocolate Factory."
Why play Willy, a role immortalized by Gene Wilder in the 1971 classic? Besides wanting to make his children happy, Depp was eager to collaborate for a fifth time with director Tim Burton, who gave him his breakout movie role in 1990's "Edward Scissorhands."
During an interview at a resort near filming of two "Pirates of the Caribbean" sequels, Depp was in full Captain Jack Sparrow regalia .
Question: You've said every movie you've done has been for your children, even before they were born. What do you mean by that?
Answer: In the late '80s when I was on that TV show "21 Jump Street." On the one hand it was a great thing. It was an incredible learning experience. It did a lot for me. I was making money for the first time in my life. That was not bad. There were a lot of very positive aspects to that situation. There were also negative aspects. At that time as a television actor, it was very, very difficult to break into films. ...
I was released (from "Jump Street") while I was doing "Edward Scissorhands," and I swore to myself that I would only work on these films or these projects that I would at least someday be able to say to my kids, 'That was all me. That's pure me. I didn't sell out because I don't want you to be mortified or embarrassed.' So that was what was in my head at the time, just thinking if I am going to this, I am going to do it on my terms. If I am going to fail, I am going to fail on my own terms.
Q: Why do you and Tim Burton work so well together?
A : It all stems from Tim's bravery. Early on for "Edward Scissorhands," we had this great meeting and somehow connected. I never expected that he would cast me in that role. I never expected that he would take the risk on me which was a really big risk at that time. He just did, and somehow there is this kind of mutual understanding of things, and a mutual fascination with people, human beings, weirdness, character flaws, human tics and all of that stuff.
Q: Did you watch the original "Willy Wonka"? Did it inspire how you portrayed your character?
A : I watched the original when I was a kid. I ended up watching it with my kids, up until it was time for me to play the role of Willy Wonka. (Then), when my kids would put the DVD in, I would run to the next room because I didn't want to be influenced at all. I was really conscious about making sure I went to a different area than Gene Wilder. I loved his character. I loved Willy Wonka as a kid. He was the best thing in it for sure.
Q: Gene Wilder has said the film was only remade to make money and that Hollywood has no business messing with a classic film. What's your take on this?
A: Somebody sent me an article where Gene Wilder said, "Why would they remake Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?" We didn't remake "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," we remade (the book) "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." It's based on the same book they based theirs on. Making a statement that they only made this film because of the money is a really odd statement to make from a guy who has been in the business as long as he has ... all movies were made because somebody somewhere wanted a return on their dollar that they spent. Ultimately it's a business. If you can dance around in there and avoid the sharp edges, and understand the game, but not play the game, then you're OK. Of course it is a dirty business, but that doesn't mean that it's all about money for me. My intentions are as pure as they can be.
Q: If you hadn't left Hollywood for France, do you think you would have a different perspective about fame?
A: No, I don't think so because I come from where I come from. I come from Kentucky. My relatives and my mom and dad, my sisters and my brother, our life in Kentucky is something that is very strong in my being. In south Florida, we were nomads for years and years, working various jobs for great lengths of time. Dropping out of high school, doing construction, printing T-shirts. Where I come from is what has made me me.
Q: You've been in a relationship for years now, so what's the secret?
A: Trust, have fun, respect for one and other. Respect for one another's privacy. Respect for what the other person does in their chosen profession. Obviously a whole lot of love. Vanessa was like a bolt of lighting.
Q: So she knocked you out?
A: Well yeah, because there were no pretensions. She has her success on her own terms, and when we met it wasn't like she was anything other than this sweet, cool, funny girl. I'd never experienced anything like that before. She gave me these two beautiful kids.
Q: Is marriage an option? What does it mean to you?
A: Marriage can be whatever you define it as. For example, I don't feel like I need a piece of paper that says I own her and she owns me. I think signing a piece of paper doesn't mean anything in the eyes of God or in the eyes of people. The thing is, if you are together and you love each other and are good to each other, make babies and all that, for all intents and purposes you are married.
Willy Wonka gets eatable at Wendy's - check it out
From Contact Music
DEPP: 'BURTON AND WATERS ARE MY HEROES'
JOHNNY DEPP is eternally grateful to cult movie makers JOHN WATERS and TIM BURTON, because his staggering success is all thanks to their faith in his ability.The PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN star claims his eccentric persona made him unpopular in Hollywood, but his film-making friends made sure he broke through into the mainstream.
He says, "John went out on a limb for me with CRY-BABY and Tim's risk was quite a bit higher, and that's something I will never forget. He has fought long and hard to get me in, and won.
"Because of that there's a bond and a love and respect that will be there forever and the other side is that he happens to be one of the most interesting film-makers."
13/07/2005
From Ananova
Johnny Depp's Marriage DilemmaBless Johnny Depp - he might possibly be the nicest guy on the planet.
The Pirates Of The Caribbean star has revealed that he's waiting for his long-term love Vanessa Paradis to ask him to marry her - but he's hesitant about marriage for one unselfish reason.
Johnny has admitted that he'd feel really bad about spoiling Vanessa's name.
"It would be a shame to ruin her last name! It's so perfect - Vanessa Paradis. So beautiful.
"It would be such a drag to stick her with Paradis-Depp. It's like a flat note," he confessed.
But apart from the name issue, the 41-year-old actor reckons that as far as he's concerned, they are as good as husband and wife, after their seven years and two children together.
"For all intents and purposes we are married. We have two kids together and she is the woman in my life.
"But if she ever said: 'Hey, let's get hitched', I would do it in a second," he said.
"We'll do it if the kids want us to, or maybe when the kids are old enough to enjoy it with us."
From the Boston Weekly Dig
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Johnny Depp and Tim Burton too weird even for WonkaThere's a chemical in chocolate that prompts the brain to blow its euphoric wad and douse every neuron in the same cocktail that accompanies falling in love. That's a heady sensation for a mere movie to duplicate, but Tim Burton's interpretation of Roald Dahl's salty-sweet children's classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory comes pretty close.
From the opening sequence of a maelstrom of swirling chocolate transforming, via the machinations of a vast Gothic Rube Goldberg machine, into neatly wrapped bars, Burton doesn't miss a single chance to ratchet up his particular brand of sardonic whimsy and visual fancy to near-insulin-shock levels. If he'd left it at that, this version would easily surpass the 1971 Gene Wilder version in even the most hardened cultists’ hearts. But regrettably, he didn't.
Not to worry—this version is true to Dahl’s original plot. Charlie (played by the exceptional Freddie Highmore) is still enthralled by the mysterious chocolate factory situated next door to his poor family's ramshackle house, and the eccentric candy mogul Wonka has announced he has enclosed five Golden Tickets in random bars across the globe, tickets that entitle the bearer to the first human glimpse of the interior of his sprawling factory in decades. Charlie knows he's got a much slimmer chance of finding a ticket than the four undeserving monsters who've already gotten one—kinderschwein Augustus Gloop (Philip Wiegratz), limpid-eyed aristobrat Veruca Salt (Julia Winter), go-getter gumcracker Violet Beauregarde (Annasophia Robb) and clocktower sniper-in-training Mike Teavee T(Jordon Fry). But lo and behold, the day after Charlie unwraps a bar and catches a glint of that last Golden ticket, he's assembled at the factory with the other four to meet their mysterious host, incarnated by Johnny Depp as a prancing glam rocker with a Prince Valiant haircut, Polident choppers and powdered skin as preternaturally smooth as a Pierre et Gilles photo. The five children are invited in, but only one will receive a super-duper prize at the end of the tour. Whatever could it be?
Tim Burton's strength (in this film and always) is creating outrageous visuals that inspire awe and heebie-jeebies in equal measure. Everything in the factory is guaranteed to send shivers of delight through art direction junkies, from the chocolate river flowing through a vast meadow of candy flora (“Everything in this room is edible!” crows Wonka, adding, “Including me! That's called cannibalism!”), to the stark white “TV chocolate” lab, to the nut room's trained squirrels and swirling floor. It’s all pitch-perfect creepy/magical (to say nothing of other “select” groups, this film has so much splattering, gushing and melting chocolate, it's as if Burton were trying to make a first date film for splosh fetishists). Gradually, as the Oompa Loompas (every one played by ultra-gravitas Indian actor Deep Roy) rock out to Oingo Boingo-y musical extravaganzas, each greedy, gluttonous and spoiled child meets an appropriately ironic end.
The whole shebang is sheer delight until Charlie asks Wonka “Do you remember being a child?” Suddenly Wonka's shining leer turns sour and we're treated to a flashback of the young, candy-starved Willy, imprisoned inside Ludovico-technique dental headgear by his grim dentist father (Christopher Lee). Every flashback (and there are several) unfairly shifts the focus from Charlie and this extraordinary experience he's earned by dint of his grace, hope and serenity onto Wonka, just another misunderstood weirdo in a Burton film. Willy Wonka should be a magic man, a quixotic Santa for a rare little boy. But Depp's Wonka, in his top hat and skull eyehole sunglasses, looks more like an overgrown attention whore or a truculent, Hot Topic-loitering teenager who won't take off his Edward Scissorhands T-shirt for the family picture. Burton hints at a tweakier side to the childless, wifeless Wonka, too. One stop on the tour is a glimpse into a porthole where Oompa Loompas are flogging a moaning cow suspended in a studded harness. “Haven't you ever seen whipped cream being made?” Wonka demurs. Psst, Charlie, if he offers "Jesus juice," don't take it.
So much of Burton’s take on Dahl's classic is so right. The movie just can't recover from its big mistake of making Wonka another of Burton's dandified "too rare for this cruel world" outcasts instead of the off-kilter fairy godfather that Charlie deserves. In the end, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory approaches greatness, but ultimately veers off, squandering its opportunity. Burton should have taken a deep breath, backed away from his own psychopathological need for a pitiable outcast in the limelight, and let his outrageous visuals run the show. Wise little Charlie even says it himself: “Candy doesn't have to have a point. That's why it's candy.”
From Contact Music
DEPP VALUES FAMILY OVER FILMSJOHNNY DEPP
Hollywood actor JOHNNY DEPP doesn't care if his movie career ends - because he would still have the love and support of his family.
The FINDING NEVERLAND hunk refuses to worry about his glamorous job, because he would happily return to working at a petrol station if his film offers dry up.
He explains, "There's no stop and start to the career game. It's crazy to take any of it seriously.
"So if all this should evaporate, and I had to go back to "pumping gas", I'd do it. As long as my family was there for me, and I for them."
13/07/2005 02:40
From Contact Music
DEPP BEGS DAUGHTER TO BECOME A PAINTERJOHNNY DEPP
Hollywood star JOHNNY DEPP is urging his daughter LILY-ROSE to become a painter even though she's just six years old.
The proud father surrounded his daughter with paint, canvases and brushes just six months after she was born, in a bid to inspire her to become an artist.
And he's keeping her childish sketches, because he's convinced they'll be valuable when she's a famous painter.
Depp enthuses, "If I had my wish, Lily-Rose would be a painter. That's why I'm keeping her sketches.
"When she was six months old, I held a paintbrush in her hand.
"By the time she was one, I was guiding her hand to paint with acrylics and also showed her how to keep her brushes clean.
"Now she's intrigued by pastels and is going through her 'purple phase'."
12/07/2005 09:15
From Contact Music
DEPP AWAITS PARADIS MARRIAGE PROPOSALHollywood superstar JOHNNY DEPP is desperate to marry his long-term love VANESSA PARADIS - but he's waiting for her to make the all-important move.
The 41-year-old FINDING NEVERLAND actor admits the pair, who have been together for seven years and have two children LILY-ROSE, 6 , JACK, 3, are already as good as husband and wife, but insists the proposal has to come from her.
He says, "For all intents and purposes we are married. We have two kids together and she is the woman in my life.
"But if she ever said: 'Hey, let's get hitched,' I would do it in a second.
"We'll do it if the kids want us to, or maybe when the kids are old enough to enjoy it with us."
But Depp has reservations about heading up the aisle with his girlfriend, because he'd hate to ruin her maiden name.
He says, "It would be a shame to ruin her last name! It's so perfect - Vanessa Paradis. So beautiful.
"It would be such a drag to stick her with Paradis-Depp. It's like a flat note."
12/07/2005 05:30
From Kazren - My brief review of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"This is just my quick first impression (almost spoiler free) of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
I laughed frequently. Very frequently. I was mesmerized by Johnny and especially enjoyed his interactions with Deep Roy and Freddie Highmore. The scene in the Oompa Loompa tree-top hut where Willy is communicating with the chief Oompa Loompa (and eating a very strange concoction) is hilarious. There’s many lines of dialogue from the book, especially the way Willy keeps telling Mike to stop mumbling (a running joke).
The music is perfect. The acting is also just delightful. Tim Burton was made to direct this film. It’s not just the visual richness and imagination that make this enjoyable, it’s the pure fun. We know Willy and the Oompa Loompas have been conspiring against the mean-natured kids, but even that's funny.
The entire movies is just like a trip to the actual factory, but sweeter, and wait until you see the chocolate rapids the candy boat takes. (By the way, the line about Mike not licking the boat did not make it into the final version of the film.) And the glass elevator! Wow, I want one.
Overall, I walked out with a big grin on my face. There is a very clever addition to the story which reflects Willy’s back story (and is show in flashbacks) and comes to fruition by the end. Also there’s a little trick at the end involving the Bucket household which is very very charming.
Overall this so far outshines the Gene Wilder version as to seem to have come from a completely different book. I believe everyone will come out of this movie feeling entertained, enchanted, and satisfied.
DeppCon Update
Just a few of the items that we have for our free raffle drawing on Saturday. More items to follow........Pirate bandanas
Copies of the Life Supplement (11/19/04) with Johnny and Kate on the cover
1 copy of the Sierra Mountain Times that has the story of Ivy Parsons meeting Johnny in it
1 copy of 4/18/05 In Touch Magazine - Johnny slimed
Copies of Time Magazine Issue - the world's 100 most influential people
1 copy of Rolling Stone 3/24/05 - Hunter Thompson
Copies of Rolling Stone 2/10/05 - Johnny on Cover (Wild at Heart article)
Charlie and the chocolate factory mini and regular size posters
Chocolate Factory Premier pics
NEWS ALERT - TV ALERT
From Heather in Texas July 10, 2005
You may already be aware of this but I was getting worried since I didn't see it posted on the site.
Johnny and Tim will be hosting a Southpark marathon on Comedy Central tonight (07-10) that starts at 11 or 12. I watched comedy central all day and saw the commercial.
(Note from Kazren - here in Los Angeles on Adelphia it begins at 12am and goes til 2am)
Article about Britiney Spears attending "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and other gossipy stuff HERE
From BBCDepp expected at Wonka premiere
Hollywood star Johnny Depp is expected to attend the LA premiere of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, in which he plays factory owner Willy Wonka.
Tim Burton's film, based on the hugely popular book by the late author Roald Dahl, also stars Depp's Finding Neverland co-star Freddie Highmore.
He plays impoverished Charlie Bucket, who wins a golden ticket to visit the chocolate factory with his grandpa.
The film is out in the US on 15 July and the UK on 22 July.
Burton has said he is making a much darker version of the story than that portrayed in the original film.
It also stars British actress Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs Bucket and is the second version of the film to be released - the first starred Gene Wilder as Wonka, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for his role.
From Contact Music
DEPP SLAMS US HIGH SCHOOLSJOHNNY DEPP
Hollywood actor JOHNNY DEPP has slammed American high schools because they made him feel like an outsider when he was a student.
The CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY star remembers high school as a series of popularity contests and adolescent confusion.
He says, "I did feel like an outsider. I felt completely and utterly confused by everything that was going on around me. It was the one thing that the teachers didn't want you to do in school, you know, question things. But I always wanted to know why. It really p**sed them off because it's a f**king valid question. It's the only question.
"I saw these guys and girls competing for most popular this and that, the Prom Queen and the Prom King, and it was like, 'Jesus, what b**locks,' you know? Absolute c**p.
"I was lucky in that sense. I was raised in such a way that it wasn't like eyes on a prize. It was, 'Just get through it man, just get what you can get and keep moving.'"
10/07/2005 09:16
From Jam Canoe
Life's sweet for Johnny Depp
By JIM SLOTEK -- Toronto Sun
Johnny Depp is Willy Wonka in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.
NASSAU, Bahamas -- Move over George Hamilton. Johnny Depp is dark. Mahogany dark, like a light-roast coffee bean in the sun.
"What can I tell you? Three months on a boat," says the actor, who's in a nine-month-plus process of playing the ghost-pirate Capt. Jack in two consecutive sequels to Pirates Of The Caribbean in this ex-pirate sanctuary turned pina colada paradise.
"I'm not using any sunblock at this point," says Depp, who actually owns a 35-acre island not far from Nassau. "You do when you start out, because the sun out here will really take a bite out of you if you don't. But I've sort of levelled off. I don't think I'll get any darker than this."
What makes his complexion more dramatic is that he's doing interviews to talk about pal Tim Burton's predictably out-there Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, adapted from Roald Dahl's classic children's book. In it, Depp plays the weirded-out chocolatier Willy Wonka with a deathly pale face and a silly, scared, geeky, socially maladroit manner, accompanied by odd mannerisms like a hand over the mouth when he giggles.
Kind of like, um ... well, Depp, Burton and the producers of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory aren't thrilled that some who've seen it feel the characterization evokes Michael Jackson.
"It actually never crossed my mind. Michael Jackson was not an ingredient or inspiration to the character at all," Depp says. "A few people have mentioned it and it kind of took me by surprise. I can on some level understand it, the look a little bit may evoke that. But you could just as easily think of some reclusive germophobe like Howard Hughes as well. Roald Dahl wrote this character in 1964 and Michael Jackson was a wee lad then."
Burton's response is to laugh derisively.
"Here's the deal: Michael
Jackson likes children, Willy Wonka can't stand them," the director says. "To me, that's a big difference in the whole persona, y'know?"
What is obvious is that the dark-minded Burton and the challenge-minded Depp have again collaborated on a movie about a gifted misanthropic outsider -- a vibe that goes back to their first movie together, Edward Scissorhands. As those who've read the book, or seen the 1971 movie Willy Wonka & The Chocolate
Factory (with Gene Wilder as Wonka) know, the story involves the announcement by the reclusive candyman to allow five children to tour his mysterious and reputedly magical factory. Said invitations are included, lottery-like, in random Wonka Bars shipped throughout the world.
The hero of the story, Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore, who also played opposite Depp in Finding Neverland), is a poor lad who lives with his entire family in a one-room house and gets his invite in a bar he purchases with money he finds on the street.
Charlie and the other kids -- a uniformly spoiled-rotten lot that includes Veruca Salt, Mike Teavee, Violet Beauregard and the porcine Augustus Gloop -- are led with media fanfare into a foundry that is part Fritz Lang industrial nightmare and part fantasyland (with a touch of 2001: A Space Odyssey), all dovetailing with Burton's love of pastel-hued heightened reality. There are marshmallow plants and cream-filled buttercups
(actually edible according to Highmore, who sampled them) and a chocolate river that actually stank. There are trained attack squirrels. And there are the Oompa Loompas, all played (and digitally multiplied) by the small-sized actor Deep Roy.
And there's Wonka himself, whose ulterior motive for inviting children into his world seems sinister on the surface, especially when they start falling prey to their own gluttony.
"It's good fun playing characters like Wonka, Capt. Jack, Raoul Duke from Fear And Loathing
(In Las Vegas), characters that can do things I would never dream of doing, or speak to people in a way that I would never bring myself to," Depp says.
"The material was seductive, but the fact that Tim was doing it was the catalyst. He went out on a limb for me in 1990 with Edward Scissorhands. And that's something I will never forget. And over the years (in collaborations like Sleepy Hollow and Ed Wood) he's had to butt heads with studios to get me because I wasn't very popular with studios. So there's a bond and a love and respect that will be there forever.
"And he also happens to be one of the most interesting filmmakers of all time, in my opinion."
Of course, things have changed after the box office hit
Pirates. These days Depp, who divides his time between his homes in L.A., France (where he lives with actress
Vanessa Paradis and their children Lily-Rose and Jack), is a top-ranked draw and is being paid a reported $37 million for the two Pirates sequels.
Says Burton: "This was the first time I didn't have to talk anybody into it. When I was offered this, before I could open my mouth, the studio goes, 'What about Johnny Depp?' And I go, 'Okay, if you're gonna force him on me.' "
Both take pains to praise Wilder for his performance, although Burton makes it clear he doesn't think much of the original film (Dahl hated it. His widow has since seen Burton's version, and according to producer Richard Zanuck, "is thrilled by it." Wilder, on the other hand, recently told the Daily Telegraph, "It's all about money ... Why else would you remake Willy Wonka?"
Both Burton and Depp tell almost identical stories about how the Wonka characterization came about, inspired by, according to Depp, "guys like Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Greenjeans and local guys like Uncle Al, and how odd it was the way they spoke, this bizarre musical rhythm and cadence to their speech pattern -- 'Good morning children ...'
"I tested it on Lily-Rose to see if I was going in the right direction with the sound of this voice. A lot of times what happens is you come up with these ideas and you never get to try them until a read-through. So with Lily-Rose, I was talking to her one day. Many times we've played Barbies where she says, 'Daddy, don't use that voice.' And what happened was we were playing and I started to use the Wonka voice, and she kind of lit up a little bit, like, 'Where's that coming from?' And I thought, 'Awright, I think I'm on the right track here.' "
He carried his experimentation to the filming. "The kids in the film, they were great. At first they weren't quite sure how to deal with (my ad libs), but they caught on and started enjoying it. I remember one time early on, I started speaking jive to Jordon (Fry), who played Mike Teavee. Like, 'It's in the fridge, daddy-o, are you hep to the jive?' And we're in rehearsal and I walked up to him and put my hand out and said, 'Slide me some skin, daddy-o.' And he tilted back at an angle, looking up at me and said, 'That's not in the script!' I just started laughing hysterically."
Being in Cruise/Hanks territory is an odd place for Depp, an actor without a persona.
"He's like a character actor in a leading man's body," Burton says. "He's more like Lon Chaney than a leading man. He likes to transform, play different characters in different movies. He's an actor that you'd think about perhaps even for female roles."
Depp himself is fairly self-effacing about his look. Asked about this 43-year-old's appeal to young women, he says, "Gosh, I don't know. I think it's that they see some of my movies and feel sorry for me." Dressed down in jeans and a worn white cotton shirt, he says, "I remember when I was
really, really young, 3 or 4, and my mom and dad dressed me up as a hobo for Halloween. And the only difference between what I looked like then and now is that they drew a little more beard than I'm able to grow."
He's not overly serious about how he got where he is ("That's what the ride is for the moment, it'll always change"), but he seems serious about what to do with it.
"My sister and I have this little company, we've made some recent acquisitions that are pretty exciting, some to be in and some to get made. We're very excited about the latest Nick Hornby novel, A Long Way Down. And there's this one by an Australian writer named Gregory David Roberts called Shantaram (about 10 years in the life of a drug-using armed robber on the run), which is a beautiful book.
"I've been doing things that I've chosen to do for quite a good stretch now. And that small core group of people -- and I hate to use the word fans -- that small core who've stuck with me all these years, y'know, I feel good for them. Because great masses of people decided to watch Pirates Of The Caribbean, they don't have to hang their heads in shame. At least not so much."
From the Louisville KY Courier Journal
Thompson's ashes to be blasted from cannonA meadow near Aspen, Colo., is being prepped with a Statue of Liberty-sized tower containing a cannon that will pepper the sky next month with the cremated remains of Hunter S. Thompson, a Louisville native.
A Beverly Hills, Calif., events planner hired by actor Johnny Depp -- a native of Owensboro, Ky. -- is pulling together details of the private send-off that will culminate in Thompson's ashes being blasted from the top of a 150-foot temporary tower behind Thompson's Owl Farm home in Woody Creek near Aspen. The event will take place Aug. 20, the six-month anniversary of Thompson's suicide.
Thompson, who was 67 when he died, grew up in Louisville's Highlands neighborhood and attended Male High School.
Thompson had been in failing health after a drug-and-alcohol-fueled lifetime of pushing the limits of journalism and flamboyant behavior. He shot himself at his home on Feb. 20.
Within days of his death, Depp, a close friend of Thompson's who portrayed him in the movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," began making plans with Thompson's widow, Anita, and son, Juan, for the send-off. The cannon will scatter Thompson's ashes above a quiet residential area north of Aspen, where he had made his home since 1967.
The event could have run into roadblocks if neighbors in the Woody Creek area had not agreed to go along it. But the Woody Creek Caucus met several weeks ago with Depp's events planner, Jon Equis, and unanimously supported it.
"If there had been any outpouring of public opposition, the commissioners would have had to get involved," Pitkin County Commissioner Patty Clappe said.
Depp's representatives still had to jump through a number of hoops. They secured permission from the Pitkin County Community Development Department, which determined the cannon party will be a private event, no different than large weddings and celebrity parties that are common around Aspen. Depp will have a private security detail to ensure it stays closed.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives gave guidance on the use and storage of the explosives for the cannon.
From CBS News
The Zanucks: Reel Royalty
New York, July 10, 2005
(excerpt)
(CBS) On an estate high above Los Angeles lives a man who has made quite a splash in the film industry, reports CBS News Correspondent Rita Braver.His name is Richard Zanuck, and if it does not sound familiar, well that’s OK. You will certainly know his films.
Johnny Depp stars in Zanuck’s latest production, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," which opens later this week.
Depp says, "Dick Zanuck is one of those guys who is so incredibly encouraging and coming from a veteran like him, it gave me great confidence."
The actor would like to repeat the experience, working with Zanuck on "everything. Anything. I love the guy."
Zanuck, who is on-set every day while his movies are shot, says a lot of filmgoers don’t understand what a good producer is supposed to do.
In contrast to his father, Zanuck describes himself as "a family man." In the office, the walls are adorned with posters from Zanuck family classics - and one that’s anticipated to become one.
That's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and Zanuck feels it may be bigger than all the other movies combined.
How would Zanuck describe these films? He says, "I like to make entertaining pictures but entertaining pictures that have even just a seed of something people benefit from — that aren’t mindless. Whether it’s 'The Verdict', whether it’s 'Driving Miss Daisy,' even 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' has a very strong family underpinning to it. It’s not just entertainment. That’s what I would like after my name: It’s not just entertainment."
From Film Stew
WRONG MAN IN THE MIRROR by FilmStew Staff 7/8/2005 at 15:52
It’s one of those preposterous conceits, foisted upon an upcoming film by over-active brains.At the recent press junket for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory organized in Nassau, Bahamas (held there due to star Johnny Depp’s far-flung Pirates sequels shooting schedule), a number of reporters kept bringing up the idea that his portrayal of a meeker, more child-like Willy Wonka was an indirect homage to another man who likes to spend a lot of time with children, Michael Jackson.
Granted, it’s an irresistible summer fluff angle: MJ giving candy to kids at Neverland vs. Depp’s character giving candy to kids at the Chocolate Factory. But this really is more in the minds of bored journalists than in that of the actor in question, who by the way repeatedly denied that there was any allegory going on here.
Still, you can ready about this apparent overlap everywhere from FoxNews.com to E! Online. This despite Depp at the press event stating categorically that: ’’Everyone is entitled to think what they want. Even while being violently wrong.’’
Admittedly, there is some morbid serendipidity at work here, and from the trailer on down, some will inevitably snicker at the parallels between the King of Pop and the King of (Onscreen) Pomp. But, since we live in a day and age when US Weekly blares out on its cover that Brad and Angelina have adopted a baby together, only to then issue a correction/apology hours later, before the signatures on this week’s payment-to-paparazzi checks have even dried, it’s a given that the thought of an MJ-JD link will increasingly be presented as certainty.
As we all know, Depp likes to sample some mighty unique inspirational sources in the course of a day’s work. But even he is wise enough to know that the the closest sounding thing to an Ompa-Loompa in MJ’s world is... Oprah.
TV ALERT
Wednesday, July 13
"10 Most Excellent Things: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"VH1's "10 Most Excellent Things: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is your golden ticket to the wonderful world of Willy Wonka and his legendary chocolate factory. We'll show you how Johnny Depp re-interpreted the wild title character, how one Oompah-Loompah turned into hundreds, and why some of the best supporting actors in the film aren't even human. It's our own quirky take on everything you need to know about the movie, from the river of chocolate to the unforgettable new ending. Featuring interviews from all those behind Warner Brother's highly anticipated picture -- including star Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton -- we will count down the most excellent things about the flick and tell the inside stories behind them.
(Premieres at 8:30 p.m.)
From USA Today
7/7/2005 11:00 AM
Johnny Depp: From bad boy to suburban dadNASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Once known as a Hollywood bad boy, Johnny Depp has grown into more of a suburban dad.
These days, Depp can be found at his home in the south of France with singer-actress Vanessa Paradis and their two children, 6-year-old Lily Rose and 3-year-old Jack. So it seems fitting that the latest of Depp's long line of offbeat characters is Willy Wonka in the film version of Roald Dahl's novel Charlie and Chocolate Factory.
Why play Willy, a role immortalized by Gene Wilder in the 1971 classic? Besides wanting to make his children happy, Depp was eager to collaborate for a fifth time with director Tim Burton, who gave him his breakout movie role in 1990's Edward Scissorhands.
During an interview at a resort near filming of two Pirates of the Caribbean sequels, the 42-year-old Depp was in full Captain Jack Sparrow regalia — bandanna, gold teeth, unkempt dreadlocks — as he sat down with The Associated Press to talk about movies, fame and family.
You've said every movie you've done has been for your children, even before they were born. What do you mean by that?
In the late '80s when I was on that TV show 21 Jump Street. On the one hand it was a great thing. It was an incredible learning experience. It did a lot for me. I was making money for the first time in my life. That was not bad. There were a lot of very positive aspects to that situation. There were also negative aspects. At that time as a television actor, it was very, very difficult to break into films. ...
I was released (from Jump Street ) while I was doing Edward Scissorhands, and I swore to myself that I would only work on these films or these projects that I would at least someday be able to say to my kids, 'That was all me. That's pure me. I didn't sell out because I don't want you to be mortified or embarrassed.' So that was what was in my head at the time, just thinking if I am going to this, I am going to do it on my terms. If I am going t
