Johnny Depp Stars as Famed War Photographer in International Trailer for MINAMATA Based on True Story
The international trailer has been released for the dramatic true story Minamata, starring Johnny Depp as famed war photographer W. Eugene Smith. The film also stars Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Katherine Jenkins, Jun Kunimura, Lily Robinson, Ryo Kase, Akiko Iwase, Minami, plus Bill Nighy. Andrew Levitas directed the film from a script he co-wrote with David Kessler, Jason Forman, and Stephen Deuters.
Here’s the synopsis:
New York, 1971. Following his celebrated days as one of the most revered photojournalists of World War II, W. Eugene Smith (Johnny Depp) has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. But a secret commission from Life magazine editor Robert Hayes (Bill Nighy) sends him to the Japanese coastal city of Minamata, which has been ravaged by mercury poisoning; the result of decades of gross industrial negligence by the Chisso Corporation. There, Smith immerses himself in the community, documenting their efforts to live with Minamata Disease and their passionate campaign to achieve recognition from Chisso and the Japanese government. Armed with only his trusted camera, Smith’s images from the toxic village give the disaster a heartbreaking human dimension, and his initial assignment turns into a life-changing experience.
This looks like a fascinating and heartbreaking story, and it is said to be one of Depp’s greatest performances. Watch the trailer and check out the poster below, and keep an eye out for Minamata’s US release date.
