Johnny Depp: A Retrospective

by Steven Daly

Johnny Depp has captivated moviegoers for almost three decades. One of the most gifted actors of his generation, his charismatic screen presence has brought to life such characters as the tragi-comic Edward Scissorhands, the compassionate but tormented Gilbert Grape, the edgy FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone (under cover as Donnie Brasco), the murderous Sweeney Todd, and, of course, the swashbuckling Captain Jack Sparrow—to name a few. Impeccably designed and lavishly illustrated with more than 200 stills and behind-the-scenes images from the movies themselves, Johnny Depp: A Retrospective is the definitive celebration of this uncompromising actor’s intriguing and deeply personal moviemaking story. This timely retrospective, published to celebrate Johnny Depp’s 50th birthday, charts his career from his first role in Wes Craven’s classic horror A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) through his legendary incarnation as Captain Jack Sparrow in all four Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and the many roles he has brought to life with director Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands and the Mad Hatter among them), to his most recent role as Tonto in The Lone Ranger (2013). Movie by movie, journalist and author Steven Daly draws upon first-hand interviews, as well as his own in-depth knowledge of Depp’s movies, to appraise the actor’s remarkably varied career.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 2013

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pictures are lovely and I recommend anyone who picks this book up, treat it as a picture book and ignore the words of an arriviste author.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is how I am breaking the rating down; 3 stars for the photos and 1 star for the writing.

As a fan of the Deppster for quite some time (Crybaby started it all), it is very satisfying to see him gain recognition for his body of work. This book however, is more about celebrating his achievements as the man turns 50, (yes that's right - 50).

While the pictures are beautifully displayed and most will take your breath away, I found the author to be a little uneven with his writing. Mr Daly starts out with "Oh yes, big fan" but the snide comments slowly sneak in and by the end, there is really not much positive notes for Depp or his work. Using big words Mr Daly doesn't make you a great writer, it just makes it look like your trying to cover up something.

Fans will love this book, I did but it was more for the pretty pictures and the wonderful quotes from the man himself.

"Do I search out the weirdest thing I can find, and then do it, just because it is the weirdest thing I can find? Well, the answer is no. I just do the things that I like".

[Mintti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this in Finnish. Kirja JD:n elokuvista, ihan sieltä alusta lähes nykypäivään, muutama uusin taisi uupua. Ihan mielenkiinoita luettavaa, mutta melko pintapuolinen julkaisu. Suurin anti taisi olla valokuvat jotka olivat suuria ja kiiltäviä. Fani kyllä tykkäsi lukea :D ja sainpa tietää mitkä leffat multa uupuu, niitä ei ole montaa :)

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really, REALLY enjoyed reading this descriptive and in-depth book about Johnny Depp and his multiple film-and acting endeavors, which was richly highlighted with colorful and interesting pictures from the different productions! It was incredibly inspiring and enlightening!!!

Though I have to say, the tone in the book (written by Steven Daly) made it all seem more analytical and almost critical rather than it being a tribute to an icon of the arts of acting and film. For being, what it says within the book, an homage to and a portrait of an icon in the film and an astonishing actor, Steven passes several biased statements of judgement and critique towards almost every single movie Johnny Depp has been in, and even sometimes towards Johnny's acting. And several times, it felt unjust and uncalled for, to put it plainly. That's why it felt like Steven was more investigating and looking for holes in the creations and co-creations of Johnny Depp's vast repertoire of characters and film-roles, rather than praising and highlighting the legacy of an insanely, crazily and immenesly talanted man's acting on the big, white silver screen. But that is just my opinion.

Other than that, I loved it, and I will be going back many times to browse through the pages of this beautiful coffee table book, with the containts of an icon in the filmmaking business, and the art of the actor. <3

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed how this focused on his work rather than his personal life, none of which is really mentioned. You get a very thorough and detailed account of how and why he picked each role and it’s all very easy to follow as it goes through his career and filmography in chronological order.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites I always go back to when I need a pick me up! It's a book all about Johnny Depp, need I say more? The pictures alone are enough to rate it five stars!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coup de Coeur ! ♥
Une véritable Bible pour les fans de ce Grand Acteur !

Johnny Depp, que dire de lui ? Il me suit depuis maintenant presque 9 ans, il fait partie de ma vie depuis tout ce temps et il n'en sortira jamais ! ♥ J'ai presque tous ses films en DVD (il doit m'en manquer à peine 10), et j'ai une collection énorme sur cet acteur ! Et ce livre, mais quelle merveille ! ♥ C'est un véritable objet livre, que j'aime exposer dans ma chambre. Les citations de l'acteur ainsi que les photos sont juste magnifiques ! Une superbe rétrospective de sa carrière ! Indispensable !

http://nuagesdelivres.blogspot.fr/201...

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting book. It starts with where he was born and his childhood then gets into his acting and the movies he's made. Ever page has a quote and a picture from the movie they are talking about.

This book stops with "The Lone Ranger" movie that he did. It does not get into his personal relationships.

Great book for any Johnny Depp fan.

[Anna Weasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich liebe dieses Buch. Diese wunderschönen Bilder!!
Jedoch waren mir zu wenige Infos über Johnny selbst darin. Und bei dem hohen Preis, hätte ich diese ebenfalls gerne gehabt und (fast) nicht nur Infos über seine Filme. Also musste ich da leider einen Stern abziehen.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. He always chooses over the top parts and he makes them work. He does his best work in hammy parts. This book talks about his crazy movie choices but the photos are great.

[Sini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough journey through all Depp´s movies until 2013 accompanied with great photos and nice tidbits. Only minus was books big size and heaviness since it was challenging to read in bed ;)