Johnny Depp all set to play the war photographer W. Eugene Smith in ‘Minamata’
Hollywood star Johnny Depp is set to portray the role of war photographer W Eugene Smith in the indie drama Minamata. It is good to hear that the celebrity star is in news for films once again as he was being discussed in media lately only for the legal battles he is facing.
As being reported the upcoming film revolves around Smith’s work as a photographer for Life Magazine in exposing the poisoning of the people of Minamata, Japan. This film is going to be directed by Andrew Levitas.
The director of the film in a statement said, “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.”
The film is reported to be based on the book by Aileen Mioko Smith and W. Eugene Smith and adapted by David K. Kessler. The storyline will build up 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.
Managing Director of 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.”
“Minamata” will kick off the principal production in Japan and later in Serbia next year in January. The film has been developed by Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil and is produced by Sam Sarkar, Bill Johnson and Andrew Levitas. Jason Forman and Stephen Deuters will be the executive producer. Meanwhile, HanWay Films will handle international sales and distribution.
