News

Looks can be deceiving, especially regarding the distances between towns in the South of France. When heading out to explore, plan for an hour to be more like two because of the mountainous terrain and winding roads. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport has a good selection of electric cars ideal for daytrips and more [make sure the hotel valet keeps it charged]. Whether just going for the day or charting an overnight, follow these ABCs of the communes.

A is for Avignon

Distance from Cannes: 2 hours 30 minutes

On May 22, Louis Vuitton presents its Cruise 2026 show at Palais des Papes.

Avignon celebrates its 25th anniversary as a Unesco World Heritage Site and hosts artistic and cultural programming throughout the year. The Avignon experience centers around the Palais des Papes monument, the most important Gothic palace in the West. On May 22, Louis Vuitton gets in on the action and will present its Cruise 2026 show at the landmark, carrying on its...

After a break of 27 years, Johnny Depp returned to the director’s chair with Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, the biographical drama about the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. A great cast with Riccardo Scamarcio in the leading role along with Stephen Graham, Antonia Desplat, and Al Pacino, this was a passion project that took decades.

Bringing Amedeo Modigliani’s story to the screen was nearly as interesting as the artist’s life itself. Al Pacino’s vision in the late 1970s came to fruition under Depp’s direction in 2024. The movie is based on a Dennis McIntyre play, and it takes viewers through bohemian lives in Paris in the early 20th century.

Antonia Desplat in Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness | Credit: In.2 Film/Red Sea Film Foundation

The film has raised interest due to its subject regarding artistic integrity and the complexities of the art-commerce relationship.

¡Entérate de cómo asistir a la proyección de la película! © Seff

Este viernes arranca el 21 Festival de Cine Europeo de Sevilla, que se celebra del 8 al 16 de noviembre, y contará con un invitado de lujo: Johnny Depp.

El actor y director presentará en la capital hispalense su segundo largometraje, Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, una película que tuvo su premiere mundial en el pasado Festival Internacional de Cine de San Sebastián. Lo hará acompañado de Antonia Desplat, quien interpreta a Beatrice Hastings, la musa del protagonista.

Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness se ambienta en el París devastado por la guerra de 1916 y nos sumerge en 72 horas en la vida de Modigliani (Riccardo Scamarcio), conocido simplemente como «Modi» por sus amigos. En plena huida de la policía, el artista se ve envuelto en una serie de acontecimientos caóticos hasta el punto de plantearse si debe...

Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz will reunite for Day Drinker, a thriller being developed for Lionsgate and directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man). This will be Depp’s first major Hollywood movie since the scandal involving the fallout of his relationship with Amber Heard.

Day Drinker follows a cruise ship bartender who meets a mysterious day drinker, only for both of them to find themselves entangled in a criminal underbelly, and connected in unexpected ways. “Day Drinker combines a highly commercial concept with wildly outrageous twists and turns all set in an incredible world,” said Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, “and there is no better filmmaker than Marc or two more perfectly cast actors than Johnny and Penélope to bring that world to life.“

This will mark Depp and Cruz’s fourth collaboration. They previously appeared together in Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,...

There were cheers of “bravo” and an uncharacteristically long-standing ovation this evening in San Sebastian as the credits rolled on Johnny Depp’s second directorial effort Modi – Three Days On The Wing Of Madness.

The period flick debuted out of competition here in San Sebastian where Depp has been welcomed warmly by fans and festival delegates. This evening before the screening began, huge swathes of festivalgoers congregated outside the Kursaal auditorium to catch a glimpse of Depp as he entered the building for the premiere.

Johnny Depp enters for the world premiere of ‘Modi’ in San Sebastián pic.twitter.com/6f5Mw9zo4T

— Deadline (@Deadline) September 24, 2024

Depp met similar crowds this morning at the Modi press conference where journalists rushed the stage to snap his picture.

Overall, Modi appeared to be generally well-received by the San Sebastian audience who sporadically cheered and clapped during the screening. There was particular...

Celebrated in time for his distinctively lanky, almond-eyed interpretations of the human form, the Italian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani died in 1920 at the age of just 35, tubercular and destitute and celebrated for very little indeed. At 61, Johnny Depp has both handily outlived Modigliani and outranked him in terms of antemortem celebrity. Yet there’s more than a twinge of empathy for that most irresistible of archetypes — the great, iconoclastic artist under-appreciated in his own time — running through “Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness,” an ostensibly free-spirited Modigliani biopic that marks the embattled star’s first directorial outing in nearly 30 years. Broad in tone and narrow in scope, the film is in thrall to the idea of creating art outside mainstream financial and aesthetic models, though its structure and outlook are not unfamiliar.

Often jovial despite its tragic true-life trappings, and considerably more accessible than its unwieldy full title suggests,...

Johnny Depp hasn’t taken a directorial credit on a feature film (his 50-minute music video “Unloveable” doesn’t count) since he presented The Brave in Cannes in 1997, and that did not go well. Given that unhappy experience, you have to wonder what it was about Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness — a portrait of Amedeo Modigliani, a painter and sculptor famous for his talent as well as his taste for drugs, debauchery and scandalizing the straights — might have lured the actor to pick up the virtual megaphone again.

Perhaps Depp saw in Modigliani a kindred spirit? After all, Depp too is famous for his talent but also his proclivity for indulgence, which was brought into an especially glaring, unflattering light over the course of his bitter courtroom battle with his ex, Amber Heard. Still, there are many other wild, druggy geniuses or genius-adjacent types he could have...

Johnny Depp received an enthusiastic welcome this afternoon as he returned to Spain’s San Sebastian Film Festival, where he will debut his latest directorial effort, Modi – Three Days On The Wing Of Madness.

Depp arrived in Spain last night, where he was met with cheering fans outside the city’s Maria Cristina Hotel. This afternoon he appeared in front of a largely starstruck press corps with his Modi cast and collaborators, including Antonia Desplat and Riccardo Scamarcio.

Opening the session, Depp told the journalists in the room that he was first approached about the project by veteran actor Al Pacino.

“I got a very strange phone call from Al Pacino who said ‘Do remember this Modigliani project?’ and he said I should direct it,” Depp said. “For some reason, Al saw me driving this strange machine. And when Pacino speaks, you listen, so I ran with it. But...

Johnny Depp’s bohemian fantasy Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness starts at full throttle, with the artist Amelio Modigliani (Riccardo Scamarcio) breaking up the Café Dome, then exiting on a trolley straight through their stained-glass window, smashing the Art Nouveau rosebuds to bits while still clutching an ice bucket with a souvenired bottle of champagne in it. A waiter pursues him through the smashed window, brandishing a meat cleaver. Seeing the knife, the gendarmes arrest him; Modi is home free.

As an art happening, it’s the kind of thing that is a thousand times more fun in the retelling than it would have been for the people picking glass out of their hair, let alone the ones who had to sweep up the mess afterward. Of course, they’re just the little people. Life as an impoverished artist wasn’t really an endless romp, either. Modi,...

Johnny Depp’s “Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness” world premieres at the San Sebastian Film Festival this week, decades after Al Pacino, who brought the project to Depp, first saw a play that inspired the cinematic adaptation.

An official synopsis for “Modi” reads: “A seventy-two-hour whirlwind in the life of bohemian artist Amedeo Modigliani, known as Modi to his friends, follows a chaotic series of events through the streets of war-torn Paris in 1916. On the run from the police, his desire to end his career and leave the city is dismissed by fellow artists Maurice Utrillo, Chaim Soutine and Modi’s muse, Beatrice Hastings. Modi seeks advice from his art dealer and friend, Leopold Zborowski — however, after a night of hallucinations, the chaos in Modi’s mind reaches a crescendo when faced with an American collector, Maurice Gangnat, who has the power to change his life.”

Pacino...

The Rome Film Festival will fete Johnny Depp with its Lifetime Achievement award and screen the actor’s latest directorial effort, Modi – Three Days on the Wings of Madness during its 2024 edition.

Described as a “seventy-two-hour whirlwind in the life of bohemian artist Amedeo Modigliani”, the film follows the artists through a chaotic series of events through the streets of war-torn Paris in 1916. French actress Antonia Desplat and Riccardo Scamarcio round out the cast.

The synopsis reads: On the run from the police, his desire to end his career and leave the city is dismissed by fellow artists Maurice Utrillo, Chaim Soutine, and Modi’s muse, Beatrice Hastings. Modi seeks advice from his art dealer and friend, Leopold Zborowski — however, after a night of hallucinations, the chaos in Modi’s mind reaches a crescendo when faced with an American collector, Maurice Gangnat, who has the power to change his life.

El actor y director recibió en 2021 un Premio Donostia. © A Contracorriente Films

A la Sección Oficial de la 72ª edición del Festival de San Sebastián se incorpora, fuera de concurso, Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness, el segundo largometraje como director de Johnny Depp 25 años después de The Brave, que él mismo protagonizó junto a Marlon Brando.

Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness se presenta como un torbellino de 72 horas en la vida del artista bohemio Amedeo Modigliani, conocido como Modi por sus amigos, tras una caótica serie de acontecimientos en las calles de un París devastado por la guerra en 1916. Huyendo de la policía, sus compañeros Maurice Utrillo, Chaim Soutine y la musa de Modi, Beatrice Hastings, le hacen replantearse su deseo de poner fin a su carrera y abandonar la ciudad. Modi pide consejo a su amigo y marchante de arte Leopold Zborowski.

Johnny Depp will take his latest directorial effort, Modi – Three Days On The Wing Of Madness, starring Stephen Graham and Al Pacino to this year’s San Sebastián Film Festival where it will screen out of competition.

Described as a “seventy-two-hour whirlwind in the life of bohemian artist Amedeo Modigliani”, the film follows the artists through a chaotic series of events through the streets of war-torn Paris in 1916. French actress Antonia Desplat and Riccardo Scamarcio round out the cast.

The synopsis reads: On the run from the police, his desire to end his career and leave the city is dismissed by fellow artists Maurice Utrillo, Chaim Soutine, and Modi’s muse, Beatrice Hastings. Modi seeks advice from his art dealer and friend, Leopold Zborowski — however, after a night of hallucinations, the chaos in Modi’s mind reaches a crescendo when faced with an American collector, Maurice Gangnat, who has...

Johnny Depp has found directing 'Modi' to be an "incredibly fulfilling and transformative experience".The 60-year-old actor has stepped behind the camera for the first time in 25 years to work on the biopic of painter Amedeo Moigliani - which stars the likes of Al Pacino, Sally Phillips, Stephen Graham, Riccardo Scamarcio, and Antonia Desplat - and now the project is wrapping production, the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star has shared his "profound gratitude" to everyone who he has worked with on the movie.He said in a statement: "“Embarking on this cinematic journey as the director of Modi has been an incredibly fulfilling and transformative experience. I would like to express my profound gratitude to the entire cast, crew, and producers for their unwavering commitment and creativity. "To Al, who requested that I make this film—how could I refuse Pacino? A sincere acknowledgement for generously...

Johnny Depp has been hard at work on his next movie, which actually sees him stepping behind the camera for the first time in over twenty years. Johnny Depp recently wrapped production on Modi, which features Al Pacino, and a handful of images from the project have been released.

You can check out the Modi photos featuring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino below.

The project is a biopic of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani and is based on Dennis McIntyre’s play Modigliani, with a screenplay by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski. Modi takes place over the course of 48 hours, with the synopsis reading, “On the run from the police, Modi’s desire to end his career and leave the city is dismissed by fellow Bohemians: French artist Maurice Utrillo, the Belarusian-born Chaim Soutine and his English muse and lover, Beatrice Hastings. Modi seeks advice from his Polish art dealer and friend Leopold Zborowski,...

Images of have been released of Johnny Depp from the set of Modi, his first directorial effort in over two decades. It stars Al Pacino and recently wrapped production.

Depp is behind the camera after years of legal wrangling and a messy divorce with ex-wife Amber Heard, which included allegations of domestic violence and two high-profile defamation lawsuits. He has largely worked away from Hollywood and in the indie space since Warner Bros. severed ties with him on the Fantastic Beasts franchise in 2020.

In a statement heralding the end of filming, Depp called the film “an incredibly fulfilling and transformative experience.” He added: “I would like to express my profound gratitude to the entire cast, crew, and producers for their unwavering commitment and creativity. To Al, who requested that I make this film—how could I refuse Pacino? A sincere acknowledgement for generously contributing his talent and dedication to this project.

Italian actress Luisa Ranieri has joined the cast of Johnny Depp’s upcoming Amadeo Modigliani bio-pic Modi as filming gets underway in Hungary.

Ranieri’s arrival on the picture was announced by Italian-Canadian producer Andrea Iervolino at Rome-based Ible group which has joined Depp’s in.2 Film and Barry Navidi Productions on the film.

Modi is Depp’s second feature in the director’s chair after his 1997 feature The Brave.

Italian actor Riccardo Scamarcio plays the titular painter and sculptor, with previously announced cast members including Al Pacino, in the role of art collector Maurice Gangnat.

Ranieri will play Rosalie Tobia, the owner of a Paris cafe frequented by impoverished artists, who took Modigliani under her wing when he was down and out.

“Luisa Ranieri, is among one of Italy’s most talented actresses, with the portential for international success,” Iervolino said in a statement released to Italian news agency Ansa on Tuesday.

Exclusive: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Foundation has announced it is investing in Johnny Depp’s Modi, Michael Mann’s Venice title Ferrari and Guy Ritchie’s World War Two spy action feature The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

The foundation, which is the parent body of the Jeddah-set Red Sea International Film Festival (Rsiff), has supported the films through its Red Sea International Film Financing arm, which previously backed Maïwenn’s Cannes 2023 opening film Jean du Barry as its first major international co-production.

There are no details on the size of the investments, but the foundation revealed Modi would also act as a pilot for a new program under which Saudi Arabian interns would be welcomed on set to gain hands-on training in various departments including art, camera, and production.

The investments are a further sign of Saudi Arabia’s determination to carve itself out a place as a...

Al Pacino has been cast in Johnny Depp's film 'Modi'.The 83-year-old star is to feature alongside Riccardo Scamarcio and Pierre Niney in the biopic of the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani – which marks Depp's first directorial effort in 25 years.The movie is based on a play by Dennis McIntyre and tells the story of the famous painter and sculptor Modigliani during his time in Paris in 1916.The film chronicles the life of the artist across a turbulent and eventful 48 hours that sees him on the run from the police through the streets of the war-torn French capital.His desire to leave the city and end his career is dismissed by other bohemians, including the French artist Maurice Utrillo, Belarusian-born Chaim Soutine and his English muse and lover Beatrice Hastings.Modi seeks advice from his Polish art dealer and friend Leopold Zborowski but the chaos reaches a crescendo when he...

As Johnny Depp gradually makes his way back into the film scene, fans everywhere have been anxious to see where the beloved actor will take his talents next, with still no word on a potential return to his most iconic role as swashbuckling pirate Captain Jack Sparrow. While he has no plans to return to the Caribbean just yet, he will actually be stepping behind the camera in his next venture. Per an exclusive report from Deadline, Depp is set to direct a biopic titled Modi, with a robust cast so far including Al Pacino, Italian superstar Riccardo Scamarcio, and Pierre Niney.

Related: Jeanne du Barry: Lush Posters of Controversial Johnny Depp & Maïwenn Film Drop Ahead of Cannes Premiere

Modi, which will star filming in Budapest this Fall, is set to be a captivating biopic about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. It will be Johnny Depp's first directorial feat in nearly 25 years,...

Johnny Depp’s directing effort Modi has cast Al Pacino, Riccardo Scamarcio and Pierre Niney.

The project is a biopic of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, known as “Modi” to his friends, and is based on Dennis McIntyre’s play Modigliani, with a screenplay by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski.

The synopsis for the story, which takes place over 48 hour period, reads, “On the run from the police, Modi’s desire to end his career and leave the city is dismissed by fellow Bohemians: French artist Maurice Utrillo, the Belarusian-born Chaim Soutine and his English muse and lover, Beatrice Hastings. Modi seeks advice from his Polish art dealer and friend Leopold Zborowski, but the chaos reaches a crescendo when he’s faced with a collector who could change his life.”

Scamarcio (Loro, Caravaggio’s Shadow) will play Modigliani, with Niney (Yves Saint Laurent) playing French artist Maurice Utrillo and Pacino, who starred with Depp in Donnie Brasco,...

Before returning to the silver screen for Maïwenn’s Jeanne du Barry, Johnny Depp is ready to announce his first directorial effort in 25 years for Modi, a biopic focusing on the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. Inspired by a play by Dennis McIntyre and adapted for Hollywood by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski, Modi tells the story of the famous painter and sculptor during his time in Paris in 1916.

Riccardo Scamarcio (John Wick: Chapter 2), Pierre Niney (Yves Saint Laurent), and Al Pacino lead the cast, with filming going down in Budapest this fall. The Veterans will bring the project to Cannes for a potential sale.

According to Deadline, Modi chronicles a harrowing 48 hours of Amedeo Modigliani’s life, depicting when he ran from police through the streets and watering holes of war-torn Paris. Bohemians think nothing of Modigliani ending his career prematurely, including French artist Maurice Utrillo, the Belarusian-born Chaim Soutine, and his English muse and lover,...

Exclusive: On the eve of his acting return at the Cannes Film Festival, Johnny Depp has set a buzzy first round of cast for Modi, his first directorial effort in 25 years.

The biopic of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani will be led by Italian star Riccardo Scamarcio (John Wick Chapter 2), Cesar Award winner Pierre Niney (Yves Saint Laurent) and screen icon Al Pacino (The Godfather).

Filming is due to get underway in Budapest this fall and the hot package is being sold at the Cannes market by The Veterans. Additional casting is underway.

Based on a play by Dennis McIntyre and adapted for the screen by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski, the film will tell the story of the famous painter and sculptor Modigliani during his time in Paris in 1916.

The movie will chronicle the life of the Italian artist across a turbulent and eventful 48 hours which sees him on the...

It may feel like we’re heading into our sixth month of winter, but whatever the weather says, spring is technically here.

Ringing in April (hopefully sans showers), The Independent’s team of critics and culture editors have hand-selected the very best TV series, films, music, exhibitions, books and theatre to enjoy over the weekend.

Chief art critic Mark Hudson heads to Dundee to learn about the history of tartan in Scotland, while TV editor Ellie Harrison checks out comedy queen Daisy May Cooper’s most serious role to date in Rain Dogs. In the film arena, Adam White celebrates both artsy Mubi releases (Please Baby Please) and surprisingly good blockbusters (Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves). Music editor Roisin O’Connor sings the praises of indie supergroup boygenius’s edgily titled five-star album the record. Arts editor Jessie Thompson delves into pop music’s recent past with Michael Cragg’s...