Riccardo Scamarcio stars in Modi, Johnny Depp’s highly anticipated film, which is set to premiere at the 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival. The festival runs from September 20 to 28, 2024. In this biographical drama, Scamarcio portrays Amedeo Modigliani, the famous Italian painter and sculptor. Modigliani is known for his avant-garde portraits and nudes. The film explores a chaotic 72-hour period in Modigliani’s life during World War I in Paris. Depp’s direction takes audiences on a journey through the artist’s struggles with personal demons, rejection by the art world, and his relationships with fellow artists.
For those planning to attend the festival, Modi is not in competition, but its screenings are expected to draw significant crowds. Viewers can catch the film on the following dates:
- Tuesday, September 24: 8:30 am, Kursaal 1
- Wednesday, September 25: 8:00 pm, Principal
- Saturday, September 28: 9:00 am, Kursaal(San Sebastian Festival)
These screenings offer an exciting opportunity to witness Johnny Depp’s return to directing and Riccardo Scamarcio’s leading role as Modigliani.
Riccardo Scamarcio: From Italian Cinema to International Stardom
Riccardo Scamarcio began his career in Italy, where he rose to fame with his breakout role in Tre metri sopra il cielo (2004). Born in Trani, Puglia, Scamarcio trained at the Scuola Nazionale di Cinema in Rome. He quickly became known for his versatility, starring in films like L’ultimo bacio (2001) and La nostra vita (2010). He earned critical acclaim and nominations at the David di Donatello Awards, often compared to the Oscars.
Scamarcio’s talent soon caught the attention of international filmmakers. He has taken on roles in several English-language films. One of his standout performances was in John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), where he starred alongside Keanu Reeves. He also played a key role in Burnt (2015), featuring Bradley Cooper. Scamarcio’s ability to work across Italian and international films makes him an ideal choice for the role of Modigliani. Scamarcio perfectly captures the artist’s complex personality and emotional depth.
Johnny Depp’s Return to the Director’s Chair
Modi marks Johnny Depp’s return to directing after 27 years. His last directorial project was The Brave (1997). In Modi, Depp delves into a critical period in Amedeo Modigliani’s life, when the artist faced personal struggles and rejection from the art world. Set in 1916 Paris, the film highlights Modigliani’s interactions with fellow artists Maurice Utrillo and Chaim Soutine, as well as his muse, Beatrice Hastings. The climax comes when Modigliani meets American art collector Maurice Gangnat, played by Al Pacino, offering a potential turning point in the artist’s career.
Depp’s direction brings a vivid atmosphere to the film. The streets of war-torn Paris, the dimly lit cafes, and the charged relationships between the artists create a dynamic backdrop for the story. Depp’s intimate portrayal of Modigliani’s internal battles and Riccardo Scamarcio’s emotional performance ensure that Modi is both a visual and emotional experience. Critics are already hailing the collaboration between Depp and Scamarcio as one of the film’s greatest strengths. Depp’s return to directing follows his recognition at the 2021 San Sebastian Film Festival, where the festival honored him with the Donostia Award for his exceptional career in cinema during its 69th edition.
Looking Ahead to the Rome Film Festival
After its debut at San Sebastian, Modi will premiere in Italy at the Rome Film Festival, held from October 16 to 27, 2024. At the Rome festival, Johnny Depp will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to cinema. This year’s Rome Film Festival will also honor Francis Ford Coppola and Al Pacino, two icons of Italian American cinema. Coppola will present the Italian premiere of Megalopolis, while Pacino, who plays Maurice Gangnat in Modi, continues to contribute to Italian film history. October is also Italian American Heritage Month, making these honors especially significant.
The Rome Film Festival promises to be a celebration of Italian artistry, both from Italy and its diaspora. With Scamarcio leading Modi, the festival will further highlight the rich contributions of Italian culture to global cinema. Depp has credited Pacino with pushing him to direct Modi, noting that he couldn’t refuse the actor’s request. This partnership between Pacino, Depp, and Scamarcio brings a unique energy to the film, which will likely resonate with audiences in Italy and beyond.
Celebrating Italian Talent
Modi showcases the talent of Riccardo Scamarcio, who continues to build his international presence. His portrayal of Amedeo Modigliani not only honors one of Italy’s greatest artists but also cements Scamarcio’s role as a leading figure in Italian and international cinema. Depp’s direction provides a visually stunning and emotionally charged portrait of the artist, whose life was filled with both brilliance and turmoil.
The dual premieres at the San Sebastian and Rome Film Festivals ensure that Modi will reach a wide audience. As the film makes its way through the festival circuit, the partnership between Scamarcio and Depp is sure to capture the attention of critics and viewers alike. The celebration of Italian talent, both on and off-screen, aligns perfectly with the theme of Italian American Heritage Month, making this film a central focus of the fall festival season.
For more information on tickets and screenings, visit the San Sebastian Film Festival Website.
