Hollywood actor Johnny Depp has directed a biopic on Italian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani, titled "Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness." The film reflects Modigliani’s iconic yet under-appreciated status during his lifetime and marks Depp’s first directorial venture in almost three decades. The film spotlights the struggle of creating art outside mainstream financial and aesthetic models.
"Modi" portrays a jovial tone despite its tragic true events and is expected to attract viewers, particularly in Europe where Depp’s career hasn't faded like in the US. The film showcases the charismatic performance of Italian actor Riccardo Scamarcio as Modigliani, which is a significant highlight.
The biopic, adapted from a 1979 play by Dennis McIntyre, portrays an imaginary period of three days in Modigliani's life in Paris during the First World War. It explores the artist’s eccentric lifestyle, his interactions with the contemporary art circle, and his turbulent relationship with British writer and his infrequent lover Beatrice Hastings (played by Antonia Desplat).
However, as the narrative progresses, it tends to become stale as it repetitively pitches the artist’s desperate attempt for recognition from the art fraternity, particularly from famed art collector Maurice Gangnat (played by Al Pacino in a guest appearance). The film has been commended for its sincerity in representing Modigliani’s struggles and honoring his free spirit despite its conventional structure and familiar overtones.
