On September 24, 2024, Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness made its much-anticipated debut at the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival. This marks Johnny Depp’s return to directing after a 27-year hiatus since The Brave (1997). In Modi, as Depp fondly refers to the film, Italian actor Riccardo Scamarcio stars as Amedeo Modigliani. During the press conference following the film’s screening, Depp, Scamarcio, and the cast shared their insights on the creative journey behind the film, reflecting on their unique experiences during production.
The world premiere of Modi at San Sebastian is notable for another reason—it is the first film from Depp’s London-based label, IN.2 Films, which he launched in 2021. The partnership with Spanish distributor A Contracorriente Films may have been a significant factor in choosing San Sebastian for the film’s grand debut, underscoring Depp’s deepening connections with European cinema.
A Recap of “Modi”
Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness captures a seventy-two-hour whirlwind in the life of the bohemian artist Amedeo Modigliani during war-torn Paris in 1916. The film focuses on the personal and professional challenges Modigliani faces as he interacts with artists Maurice Utrillo, Chaim Soutine, and his muse Beatrice Hastings. The story reaches its climax when Modigliani meets American art collector Maurice Gangnat, played by Al Pacino, offering the artist a potential turning point in his tumultuous career.
The film is as much about Modigliani’s internal struggles as it is about the external forces that shape his life. Depp’s portrayal of Paris during World War I—its streets, dimly lit cafes, and the complex relationships between artists—offers a vivid backdrop to Modigliani’s journey.
Though its premiere at San Sebastian garnered much attention, the film’s U.S. release date remains unconfirmed. As a U.S.-based magazine, we’ll be closely tracking its arrival stateside and updating readers as soon as more information is available.
A Director’s Organic Approach
For Johnny Depp, directing Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness was a completely immersive and organic experience. Depp described how he encourages actors to explore and push boundaries, allowing them to take the story further. “My job is not as a director but more of a witness, there to capture the instant,” Depp explained during the press conference. He likened the process to making music, where “the melody or the chords dictate the next layer.” His collaborative approach allowed the actors to bring spontaneity to each scene, resulting in the film’s dynamic energy.
Depp credited Al Pacino’s influence as the reason he returned to directing after such a long hiatus, noting, “When Pacino speaks, you must listen.” Pacino’s role in Modi brought Depp back to the director’s chair, where he embraced a more fluid and naturalistic process.
Riccardo Scamarcio: Pushing Boundaries
Riccardo Scamarcio, who plays Modigliani, reflected on the transformative experience of working on Modi. During the press conference, Scamarcio expressed his deep admiration for Depp’s directorial style: “Johnny is a director who makes you feel safe and free. He allows you to really push yourself to the limit.” Scamarcio shared that Depp’s creative freedom gave him the space to fully explore Modigliani’s complex emotional life.
The Italian actor remarked that this experience felt like a “dream come true,” having long been a fan of Depp’s work as an actor. For Scamarcio, this project was not about red carpets or celebrity culture but rather about “the real sharing of intimate things.” His portrayal of Modigliani’s emotional depth has been widely praised, with Depp highlighting Scamarcio’s ability to embody the role fully.
A Collaborative Cast Experience
The rest of the cast also spoke highly of Depp’s directorial approach. Antonia Desplat, who portrays Beatrice Hastings, said, “Johnny encouraged us to bring our ingredients to the soup.” She noted the rare opportunity to spend an entire day perfecting one scene, allowing the actors to explore their characters deeply.
Ryan McParland reflected on the rewarding nature of the experience, calling it “one of the most fulfilling” in his career. He emphasized Depp’s encouragement to take risks, which he said would stay with him for the rest of his life. Similarly, Bruno Gouery praised Depp for creating an environment where the actors could pursue truth in their performances, making the entire production a collaborative effort.
Foreshadowing Rome: Honoring Johnny Depp’s Career
While Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness premiered to great anticipation at San Sebastian, the spotlight will shift to the Rome Film Festival in October. Johnny Depp will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the festival, an honor following his 2021 Donostia Award at San Sebastian for his exceptional contributions to cinema. Depp’s return to directing with Modi makes his recognition at Rome even more meaningful.
Depp’s directorial return has drawn attention, but an Italian-American filmmaker will also take center stage in Rome. Francis Ford Coppola, another cinematic legend, will present the Italian premiere of Megalopolis at Cinecittà Studios. Coppola’s connection to Cinecittà dates back to his work on The Godfather Part III, underscoring the long-standing relationship between Italian and American cinema. With Depp, Pacino, and Coppola in attendance, the Rome Film Festival is set to be a monumental event.
Looking Ahead to Rome
As Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness continues to build momentum after its San Sebastian premiere, the upcoming Italian debut at the Rome Film Festival promises excitement on a global scale. While Scamarcio’s portrayal of Modigliani is a moment of pride for Italian audiences, the film’s universal themes and Depp’s directorial vision resonate with a worldwide audience. Depp’s recognition with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Rome Film Festival will further cement his status as a multifaceted artist whose work transcends borders.
Though the U.S. release of Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness has yet to be confirmed, Live in Italy Magazine will keep readers updated on the film’s journey and eventual arrival in theaters across the globe.
For now, the spotlight shines on Rome, where the artistic legacies of Johnny Depp, Francis Ford Coppola, and the shared contributions of Italian, American, and global cinema will take center stage.
Cast of Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness
- Riccardo Scamarcio (Italy)
- Al Pacino (USA)
- Antonia Desplat (France)
- Stephen Graham (UK)
- Bruno Gouery (France)
- Ryan McParland (Ireland)
- Sally Phillips (UK)
- Luisa Raineri (Italy)
