Being Johnny Depp: Star Deconstructed

Johnny Depp has had one of the more interesting film careers of any current living actor. He has played in roles as strange as his first movie role in "Nightmare on Elm Street," drug movies like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "Blow," and the classic art piece "Dead Man." Depp has showed a talent for dynamic acting, achieving a presence on the screen that has made him one of the more noteworthy actors in recent years.

Drugs seem to play a major role in his characters: They appear in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," "Blow," "From Hell," and in "Dead Man."

Johnny Depp is currently most known for his role in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy, but he has had much more success in roles intended just for adults.

"Dead Man" is perhaps his most interesting and deep performance. Depp plays a man named William Blake moving out to the wild west who encounters a strange Indian and reckless villains in a role that is far underrated. "Dead Man" was directed by one of the better independent film directors of the modern era, Jim Jarmusch. What accounted for a good performance did not lead to a major moneymaker, but it is an important role in Johnny Depp's career.

Another important role for Johnny Depp is "From Hell," which is based on an Alan Moore graphic novel. Depp plays a drug addicted detective in London investigating Jack the Ripper killings. This movie was better received than "Dead Man" and is comparable in terms of entertainment.

Playing a "gonzo" journalist in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is a role that Depp is remembered for by fans of the recluse drug addict Hunter Thompson. It is based on the novel of the same name written by Thompson during an era of drugs. This role is considered another cult classic by fans of both Hunter Thompson and Johnny Depp.

Depp has made many other lesser known movies. In "The 9^th Gate" Depp is a rare book buyer who runs into a major fiasco involving deaths and the devil. The film is not pure entertainment, but it is a role Depp plays well.

According to Wikipedia, Depp has worked with director Tim Burton more than any other director. The films with Burton include "Edward Scissorhands" and "Sleepy Hollow."

While Depp first major acting role was his part in "21 Jump Street" he has since shied away from Television roles. He is more known for being one of the prominent actors working today.

In the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy Depp seems to have landed on a gold mine with his character Jack Sparrow. The "Pirates" films have been Depp's biggest sellers, but not comparable in terms of achievement to the likes of "Dead Man" and "From Hell."

Whether he is a chronic drug addict or a just a man named William Blake confused for the poet, Johnny Depp is one of the more recognized movie actors of the past decade, and for good reason. His films always show his imaginative side and his ability to break down a character.