Johnny Depp
By Roxanna Bina
IFQ magazine sits down with Johnny Depp as he discusses Pirates III, Keith Richards, his feminine side, Barbies and getting older. Depp’s career span has ranged from indie favorite Ed Wood to blockbuster sensation Edward Scissorhands to his most recent Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.
IFQ: What made you gain so much self-esteem and confidence?
Johnny Depp: I always had the suspicion that it was OK to be different. We’re all quite different, but to me there is a kind of fear to be different in society. Nobody wants to be considered crazy or weird or mad or whatever. We do the best to hide that unicity about us and hide our individuality. I always had a strong idea of who I was within the context of things. When I was a teenager, it was music that did it and nothing else was important. Nothing could deviate me from that world. Then acting came into my life and I maintained a sense of whom I was. I teach my children that it’s OK to be different. It’s OK to have your own opinion and maintain your own integrity.
IFQ: Are you self-conscious about your own “look,” the way you dress and so on?
JD: Not at all. I’m just naturally inclined about embarrassing myself. No, I really just figure out what I like to wear and I don’t worry about it. Maybe it’s my “feminine” side taking over me [laughs].
IFQ: So you are in touch with your feminine side.
JD: It’s funny because I think we are all in touch ith our feminine side, whether we admit it or not. Loving poetry is both masculine and feminine. Everybody is different, but it’s true that I grew up in a family with two big sisters, since my big brother was gone, so I never really understood my feminine side. I just let myself be sensitive and it’s a good thing to be a sensitive man.
IFQ: Do you still play with Barbies and how does being a father make you choose your film roles?
JD: Do I play with Barbies? Yes, I still do; I love Barbies! For me, it’s quality time with my children. It’s one on one and you’re both inventing. You’re watching your kids’ imagination kind of flower. It’s funny because I’m using the time when I play Barbies to explore characters that I’m planning to play. I assume different types of characters and voices when I play Barbies and my daughter says, “Dad, stop! Use you’re regular voice; this is too weird” [laughs]. Yes, being a father and
having kids do influence my choices in life and in choosing films I want to be in. I want them to be proud of me and I want to do films they can watch. Having kids truly helped me find the character of Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean because for two and a half years I watched nothing but cartoons with them! I realize the rules in these cartoons for the characters are different than the rules you have to follow with your characters when you do live action. It was very helpful to take that
inspiration and learning and put it into my character of Jack Sparrow.
IFQ: How do you deal with getting older? Do you have any fears?
JD: How can you tell that I’m getting older? [laughs] Actually, I take it very well. I’m totally zen about it. I love the fact that I’m getting older. I’m not sure how long it will last since one day my back will let go on me and I will start walking funny and who knows. But for now, it’s all good. I have always looked forward to getting older. I remember that when it started around 37 or 38, at first, it felt a little bit like nowhere. It felt non-specific. Then 40 came and with that came a kind of freedom from certain responsibilities, the ones of the “young man.” You know, the guy who tries to out-do everyone and stay up all night long. But now, it’s OK if I want to go to bed at 9:30pm. It’s really fine. So I like it; I feel free.
IFQ: What is the key secret to your successful long-term relationship with Vanessa Paradis?
JD: Well, Vanessa and the kids are so important to me because they kind of revealed me to me. I will always remember when Vanessa got pregnant and all these thoughts that came into my head. You start thinking about the future and everything. It was the beginning of the revealing of myself. When my daughter was born, it was like a veil lifted and some lair of fog
was removed over my own life. I gained clarity and focus about my direction. It gave me a new perspective and made me understand what is important and what is not. And sometimes you have to keep moving on.
IFQ: Is it true that you put together an album with old songs and famous singers?
JD: Yes, a year ago we had the idea with Gore [Verbinksi, Director of Pirates of the Caribbean] to resurrect these centuries old songs and get contemporary artists to record them. We found a label and a producer and everything fell into place. It’s an amazing recording with Nick Cave, Bono, The Corrs. It’s endless. I’m not playing on it, but it’s truly great.
IFQ: How about Keith Richards being part of Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End?
JD: He and I have not spoken directly since his “coconut trip.” But through his people, I know he is doing great and that he
is about to tour again. For sure he will be part of Pirates III. I hope he just stays away from coconut trees. But yes, he is totally fine and he is back! I can’t wait to have him doing his cameo.
IFQ: Every time you’re at a premiere or on the street, people line up to get your autograph and a picture of you. What is your opinion on this behavior?
JD: Well, these people are my true boss! Without them I would not exist. I would not have the life I have. I think it’s my duty to go to them and thank them and sign whatever they want me to sign and let them take my picture. At the massive premiere of Pirates II at Disneyland, some of them slept the day before. Some others came at six in the morning and waited all day under the heavy sun and heat to see me. This is totally normal. I recognize them and give them my appreciation. I always do my best to connect with each of them. Again, these people are not my fans, they are my boss!