“Just about ripped me to shreds”: The $6 Million Movie That Was So Horrendous Johnny Depp Ordered to Never Release It in America

Before the biopic on Amedeo Modigliani, Johnny Depp directed another film 27 years ago which never hit the U.S. theaters.

Johnny Depp’s second directorial venture, Modì – Three Days on the Wing of Madness, was released in theaters last year.

It came 27 years after his debut directorial venture, The Brave.

If you haven’t heard of such a film, it was probably because Depp refused to release the film in the United States after the critical reception of the film was negative.

Johnny Depp in a still from The Brave | Credits: Majestic Films International.

The 1997 film saw Depp also take on the lead role and cast Marlon Brando in a supporting role.

He admitted that The Brave was a challenging film to make in more than one way.

The Pirates of the Caribbean actor didn’t want to make the same mistake of taking on too much work and decided to stay only behind the camera for Modì.

Johnny Depp did not want to release his bad directorial debut film in the U.S.

Johnny Depp in a still from The Brave | Credits: Majestic Films International.

Johnny Depp and his brother D.P.Depp co-wrote a script in the ’90s.

Depp ventured into filmmaking with this film, The Brave, and brought on Marlon Brando to co-star in the film.

It was based on Gregory McDonald’s novel of the same name and Depp felt that it was a safe bet to step into a directing career.

Unfortunately, it prompted him to step away from directing for the next 27 years.

Depp’s film was about Raphael, who is struggling to make ends meet for himself and his family.

To help out his family’s situation, Raphael agrees to star in a snuff film for a large sum from a mysterious benefactor, played by Brando.

The film debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, where the reception was less than welcoming, especially from the U.S. audience.

The bad critical reception forced the actor to stop the film’s release in the U.S.

The film got a theatrical release only in international theaters and was later released on DVD there.

Depp admitted to The LA Times at the time that he would rather “put it in a vault and let it sit” rather than make changes to his film to please the critics.

The film also faced significant issues behind the scenes.

The budget was overshot by a million from its intended $5 million.

This one million reportedly came out of his own pocket and it was unlikely that he was able to recoup this investment.

He also told the LA Times that The Brave was “one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done.” He added, “It just about ripped me to shreds.”

He further told the outlet that the scathing reviews from American critics “just f**king destroyed us.” He accused that he was being attacked for “daring” to venture into filmmaking.

Johnny Depp fared much better with his second directorial venture Modì

Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, and Riccardo Scamarcio on the sets of Modì | Credits: IN.2 Film.

Al Pacino has been interested in a biopic based on Amedeo Modigliani since the 1970s, after being inspired by Dennis McIntyre’s play Modigliani.

Pacino discussed the script with Johnny Depp in the late 1990s during their time together on Donnie Brasco.

Depp was once again approached by Pacino amidst Amber Heard’s domestic violence case against him.

Depp decided to take on the director’s role once again, even though he had self-doubts after studios shunned him during his legal battle.

Modì starred Riccardo Scamarcio in the lead role alongside Stephen Graham, Al Pacino, Antonia Desplat, Bruno Gouery, Ryan McParland, and Luisa Ranieri.

The film followed the life of bohemian artist Amedeo Modigliani, taking us on a journey through the streets of war-torn Paris in 1916.

The film premiered at the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival on September 24, 2024.

It received immense praise and was met with a long standing ovation by the audience.

It won the Capri Cult Award at the 29th Capri Hollywood in Rome.

The film was released in Italian theaters on November 21, 2024.