We have finally arrived at the day of my birth, and the last day of my favorite actors! SO drum roll please...if anyone knows me you know who it is; that's right folks, the one and only Johnny Depp. I have loved this man since I sneaked into my parents' office and watched Cry Baby on VH1. Everything that this man touches turns to cinema gold. He immerses himself into every character that he plays - a true chameleon. I could list every single movie and tell you exactly why I love it but here are just a few that I can watch over and over and over again.
Chocolate
Not one of the his most popular films, and not a major role either but the beauty of the film and of his character Roux tops my list; it's a romantic film that will leave you wanting more. A young woman and her daughter move to rural France and open a chocolate shop. When they decide to be open on Sunday right across from the church they are viewed as heathens. When Roux (Depp) comes into town as a drifter (in and out of town) he has a good relationship with the people and begins to convince the townspeople that this woman can't be all the bad. Her chocolates are amazing, too. As our heroine begins to develop feelings for Roux (we've know it all along) things get a little stickier than she bargained for.
Sleepy Hollow
“No you must believe me, it was a horseman, a dead one, headless.” My favorite quote from this movie. We see the pairing of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp and how absolutely brilliant this match is. Bringing to life the story of the Headless Horseman, Ichabod Crane is the doctor/ detective that is asked to come and consult in Sleepy Hollow about the horrific crimes that the headless horseman in causing. When he meets the beautiful Katrina Von Tassel (Christina Ricci), who is hunted by the horseman, Ichabod must solve the case before it's too late.
Benny and Joon
Here Depp continues his streak of playing “out there” characters, as he embodies Sam, a misunderstood young man with a quirky way of living. When Sam is drawn to Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson) because of their differences, Joon's brother is not too keen on the idea. Depp goes so far as to complete a one man show in the character of Charlie Chapin, a scene that cannot be missed. True to character for Depp, Sam has very little dialogue but you can feel his presence throughout the film by just a slight glance, a small smirk, or a lift of a brow. His performance is amazing to watch.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Another pairing of Burton and Depp, bring the classic 1971 movie with Gene Wilder back to life with a bit of a twist. With the classic bright and imaginary rainbow of colors that decorate every part of the film, you truly feel as if you walked into another world. Depp dives wholeheartedly into the role of Wily Wonka, the wide-eyed, crazed candy man. Donning a rose velour suit with a top hat and gloves throughout the entire film, Depp portrays the iconic character a little bit crazy. Whether speaking of cannibalism or taking a trippy trip down the river of chocolate, nothing is off limits. If you are a fan of the original, this one is a bit darker but worth seeing.
Pirates of the Caribbean
You didn't think I would leave this one off the list, did you? While Depp had been consistent in not “selling out” to Hollywood and refusing for years to do a huge blockbusters, with Pirates he finally gave in. It just had to be the right one and it had to be on his terms. He is Captain Jack Sparrow, sailing the Black Pearl in search of treasure, the fountain of youth, and of course rum! Depp has described him as a little bit Pepe Le Pew, Keith Richards, and being drunk: what better combination could you possibly ask for! We first meet the infamous Captain Jack as he sails in on a tiny boat and manages to leave on a vast ship, stolen by the way. Taking on a role that will define Depp for years to come, he has embraced it and loved it enough to play the role a staggering four times. If there is a character that we will remember for years to come, it is Captain Jack Sparrow. Savvy?
So there you have it, Johnny Depp, one of the greatest actors of this generation. He will be remembered long after we're all gone, in the same category as Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, and William Holden. He is funny, serious, sexy, and genuine; a true actor's actor. When you have time also check out The Libertine, Finding Neverland, Don Juan Demarco, The Astronaut's Wife, The Secret Window.... I could go on and on but I'll leave you with these.