Johnny Depp reflects on life as a 'soap opera' amid defamation trial with Amber Heard

Johnny Depp, in a recent interview, compared his tumultuous life to that of bohemian artist Amedeo Modigliani, the subject of his new film 'Modi.' Depp reflected on his hardships, likening them to a 'televised soap opera,' a nod to his defamation trial with Amber Heard.

In Short

• Johnny Depp compared his life to Amedeo Modigliani's in his new film Modi
• Depp reflected on his high-profile defamation trial, likening his life to a 'televised soap opera'
• The film, directed by Depp himself, recently premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival

During a recent press interview, Johnny Depp drew parallels between his personal struggles and those of Amedeo Modigliani, the protagonist of his latest film Modi - Three Days on the Wings of Madness. Reflecting on his turbulent life, Depp likened it to a "televised soap opera," a clear reference to his high-profile defamation trial with ex-wife Amber Heard.

When asked to compare his life to that of the Bohemian artist Modigliani, Depp remarked, as quoted by Variety, "Sure, we can say that I've been through a number of things here and there, but I'm alright." He then appeared to allude to his courtroom drama with Heard, stating, "I think we've all been through a number of things, ultimately... Maybe yours didn't turn into a soap opera, televised in fact, but we all experience and go through what we go through."

The film, Modi, chronicles 72 intense hours in the life of the bohemian artist Amedeo Modigliani, portrayed by Riccardo Scamarcio. Set in 1916 war-torn Paris, the story captures Modi as he hides from the police after a confrontation in a posh restaurant.

Amidst a collapsing career and personal life, the artist contemplates his future, driven by advice from his friend and art dealer, Leopold Zborowski (played by Stephen Graham). In a bold gamble, Modi arranges a meeting with American collector Maurice Gangnat (played by Al Pacino), a man with the power to catapult him to global stardom.

Depp, much like Modigliani, hinted at the idea of endurance through adversity, earning one's place in the world. Both men, though separated by time and profession, have had to "earn their stripes" amid chaos.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's defamation trial became one of the most talked-about points in 2022. The actor eventually won the lawsuit he had filed against his ex-wife Amber. Johnny Depp had sued Amber Heard for defaming him in a 2018 Washington Post article, where she called herself a survivor of domestic abuse.

Netflix also unveiled a three-part documentary series based on the case titled Depp V Heard, which was released on August 16, 2023.