Johnny Depp has announced the first round of cast members for his upcoming directorial project, Modi, a biopic about the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. The film is set to star Riccardo Scamarcio, Pierre Niney, and Al Pacino, and will be sold by The Veterans at the Cannes market ahead of its fall shoot in Budapest.
Based on a play by Dennis McIntyre and adapted by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski, the movie will follow Modigliani's life in Paris in 1916 over a tumultuous 48 hours, during which he is on the run from the police through the war-torn streets and bars of the city. Despite his desire to leave the city and end his career, he is encouraged by his fellow bohemians, including Maurice Utrillo, Chaim Soutine, and Beatrice Hastings. In search of guidance, he turns to his friend and Polish art dealer Leopold Zborowski, but his world is turned upside down when he faces a collector who has the power to change his life. Additional casting for the film is currently underway.
The title role in the upcoming biopic about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani will be played by Italian star Riccardo Scamarcio, best known for his roles in movies like The Best of Youth, John Wick: Chapter 2, and Paolo Sorrentino's Loro. French actor Pierre Niney, acclaimed for his performances in Yves Saint Laurent and Frantz, has been cast as French artist Maurice Utrillo, while Al Pacino will play the part of international art collector Gangnat.
This marks producer Barry Navidi's fourth collaboration with Pacino, having previously worked together on The Merchant of Venice, Wilde Salomé, and Salomé. Depp and Pacino also appeared together in the 1997 crime film Donnie Brasco.
"This is a snapshot of Modigliani's life that gives us insight into his struggle as an artist suffering from lack of recognition, and a project Al and I have pursued for many years," Navidi said. "Our incredible cast, coupled with the vision, wit and sensitivity I know Johnny will bring behind the camera, will make this a dream come true."
The movie will follow Modigliani's life in Paris in 1916 over a tumultuous 48 hours, during which he is on the run from the police through the war-torn streets and bars of the city. Despite his desire to leave the city and end his career, he is encouraged by his fellow bohemians, including Maurice Utrillo, Chaim Soutine, and Beatrice Hastings. In search of guidance, he turns to his friend and Polish art dealer Leopold Zborowski, but his world is turned upside down when he faces a collector who has the power to change his life.
Scamarcio, a renowned Italian actor recognized for his remarkable performances in movies such as The Best of Youth, Loro by Paolo Sorrentino, John Wick: Chapter 2, Tre Piani by Nanni Moretti, and Romanzo Criminale, has been cast in the leading role as Modigliani.
Niney, an acclaimed French actor, famous for his performances in Yves Saint Laurent and Frantz, has been cast as Utrillo, while Pacino is set to portray international art collector Gangnat.
This upcoming film marks the fourth collaboration between producer Barry Navidi and Pacino, having previously worked together on The Merchant of Venice (2004), Wilde Salomé (2011), and Salomé (2013). Depp and Pacino also co-starred in the 1997 crime movie, Donnie Brasco.
Navidi said, "This movie provides us with a glimpse into Modigliani's life, showcasing his struggles as an artist who is lacking recognition. Al and I have been working on this project for many years. With our incredible cast and Johnny's exceptional vision, humor, and sensitivity behind the camera, this will be a dream come true."
0 Comments