Johnny Depp Will Play War Photographer W. Eugene Smith in The Film MINAMATA
Johnny Depp has joined a film project called Minamata in which he will play war photographer W. Eugene Smith. Depp has been doing a lot of big tent pole films in recent years, but he’s going back to his indie film roots with this one.
The film will center on Smith’s work as a photographer for Life magazine in exposing the poisoning of the people of Minamata, Japan.
The story will start with Smith as a recluse, with the glory days of World War II far behind him. But an old friend and a commission from Life Magazine editor Ralph Graves convince him to journey back to Japan to expose a big story: the devastating annihilation of a coastal community through mercury poisoning.
The movie is based on the book by Aileen Mioko Smith and W. Eugene Smith and the film is being adapted by director Andrew Levitas (Lullaby) and screenwriter David K. Kessler. Levitas had this to say in a statement:
“Working with Johnny to give voice to those who have been silently suffering is a responsibility we do not take lightly. Much like Eugene Smith in 1971, we could not feel more privileged or humbled to be tasked with the mission of bringing this incredible story to the world.”
HanWay Films’ Gabrielle Stewart added:
“Eugene Smith’s personal redemptive story arc is really human and touching as he opens up and connects to the people in front of his camera. His story is extremely relevant as it explores how a powerful image can spur the world into action.”
This sounds like it will be a great film project for Depp to be a part of.
Source: Variety
