Johnny Depp

Interview By: Stephen Snart
StephenSnart@TheCinemaSource.com

*Click Here For Another Interview with Johnny Depp
*Click Here For Another Interview with Johnny Depp

Captain Jack Sparrow is a pirate unlike any other in the history of cinema. With his fanciful walk, sardonic humor, drag queen eye shadow and garrulous manner of speech, Johnny Depp has created an unforgettable character. Let's not forget his unhygienic teeth either. When asked about his damaged dentures, the congenial actor replies facetiously, 'Talk about my teeth' Well they've had plenty of problems over the years' several root canals' once they found the tip of a drill bit in one of the canals' that was horrible.' After a moment's chuckle, he straightens up and returns to the question. 'They do something to make the surface of the tooth kind of rough. Then they hot glue and bound these things onto my own choppers. The process of taking them off can be ugly. I don't really notice them anymore; I'm kind of used to them now.' The ever-devoted actor has to keep them on until the completion of the filming of part three of the Pirates trilogy ' which should be sometime near the end of summer.

Returning to the part of Jack Sparrow was easy for Depp. 'I certainly wasn't ready to say goodbye to him after Pirates One. I felt like there was a lot more that could be done. A lot more fun to be had.' He didn't even bother re-watching the first film when preparing ' mostly because he can't stand watching himself on screen. It wasn't always easy avoiding the film, especially during a period when his children watched it repeatedly on DVD. 'You sort of walk into a room looking for something and suddenly you hear that familiar score or voice and you just exit as quickly as possible. I just don't enjoy looking at myself. It's a little bit strange.'

Fans of the first film will be relieved to hear that Depp has not softened or dialed down his performance in the second outing. If anything, he goes even further with his quirky character traits. The daring performer thinks he may have subconsciously felt more freedom with the second picture, not having to worry about nervous producers and studio executives. 'I wasn't getting the paranoid, worried phone calls: 'What the hell are you doing'!' You're ruining the movie!!''

At times, Sparrow is so flamboyant that some are wondering if he intentionally portrayed him as gay. When asked if this was planned, Depp responds with a hearty laugh, 'No, it might just be happening naturally. God only knows what's on the horizon: The Mae West story,' he jokes heartily.

Gay or straight, the role has validated his legitimacy as a commercial talent in the mind of everyone in Hollywood. This is not something that Depp takes for granted, nor does he idolize his current status. 'It is nice not to have to have a director fight tooth and nail to get you in his movie for a number of years, like Tim [Burton] did.' At the same time, he isn't quick to forget his roots. 'It wasn't like that for a long, long time. So, if it's like this for a bit, that's great. But the chances are pretty good, that sometime or another, it will be like it was again. Which is OK too. Even when the studios didn't want to hire me (I was a box office poison and all that stuff) I was still able to do all those films that mean so much to me.'

Depp has a work ethic that every actor must envy immensely. Ever since he got his start on the FOX television show, 21 Jump Street, he's never compromised his integrity. He's accomplished the unthinkable, finding fame and fortune on his own terms, not by selling out. Granted, his time on 21 Jump Street satisfied commercial needs more than artistic desires but Depp regards the experience as a powerful learning tool. 'It was like college. That was my college. Great training, five days a week, nine months out of a year in front of a camera. Learning, learning, learning. It was great schooling. But they were also pushing me in a direction I didn't wanna' I really hated the idea of being a product on someone else's terms. I'm savvy enough to understand that there's a business side to all this but' I swore to myself back then that I'll do the things that I need to do. If I fail, I fail. If it works, it works and I'll stick with it. So for me, I know that doing Pirates of the Caribbean, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or any of these other things, is totally consistent with everything I've done since Cry Baby. There was never a moment when I said, 'Well, this would be a good career move.' Or 'I can make a whole slew of cash and escape for a little while.' I haven't changed any of my process or beliefs, still dedicated to the whole thing.'

Depp's career inspires all young actors hoping to break into the industry. His resilience and integrity have given hope to countless actors across the globe. Despite his humble view of his celebrity, it seems like he will remain a hot commodity for the rest of his career. He even addresses the rumors about his potential sixth collaboration with Director Tim Burton, the film adaptation of Sweeny Todd. 'That's something that Tim and I had talked about the idea [of] years and years ago. We've been speaking about it here recently and it's looking very good. Once Tim and I get together talking about stuff, that sets off a whole domino effect of other people having to do stuff that Tim and I don't know how to do. It's looking very good, I sure hope it happens.' With his demand showing no signs of waning, he may not have to hope too much about the film becoming a reality.