Johnny Depp, celebrated globally for his transformative performances, has now stepped confidently behind the camera once again with the long-awaited release of Modigliani – Three Days on the Wing of Madness. This haunting cinematic portrayal of famed Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani is now officially available to stream in the UK and Ireland through Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Google TV.
The film, shot in Budapest, Hungary, marks another milestone for Depp not only as an actor but also as a director and visionary artist. Depp’s passion for storytelling is evident in every frame of Modigliani, capturing the final three emotionally charged days in the life of the artist who defied convention and paid the price for it.
“There was no way I could’ve asked for a better cast,” Depp declared in a recent Instagram caption, expressing heartfelt admiration for the talent he assembled. One of the standout elements of the production has been the commitment of the ensemble, delivering performances that have already been hailed by early viewers as “intensely human” and “unsettlingly beautiful.”
In the promotional image shared on IN.2 Film’s Instagram page, Depp is seen on set, fully immersed in the creative process. Clad in layered clothing and accessorized with rings, scarves, and his signature shades, Depp exudes an effortlessly eclectic charm, further reinforcing his reputation as one of cinema’s most unique creative forces. Standing beside him is another crew member cradling a live hen—an image both raw and surreal, symbolic of the textured, almost painterly tone Depp brings to this project.
A Passion Project Years in the Making
Modigliani has been a project close to Depp’s heart for several years. After his directorial debut with The Brave (1997), many wondered if he would ever direct again. With Modigliani, he’s not only answered that question but has also set a new artistic standard for biopics in modern cinema.
The story unfolds over a turbulent 72-hour window in 1920 Paris, where Modigliani, played with searing intensity by Riccardo Scamarcio, is pushed to the brink by personal demons, relentless artistic struggles, and a hostile art world that only appreciated his genius posthumously. Alongside Scamarcio, the film features strong supporting performances, including from Pierre Niney and Al Pacino, who plays an enigmatic gallery owner entangled in Modigliani’s chaotic final days.
A Cinematic Love Letter to the Misunderstood
Modigliani is more than just a biopic—it is a cinematic elegy for misunderstood genius. Depp’s direction doesn’t seek to sanitize or glorify; instead, it embraces the contradictions of the artist’s life. The film swings between scenes of manic inspiration and crushing despair, creating a tone that is as volatile and beautiful as Modigliani’s own art.
Critics who have previewed the film during its limited festival screenings have praised Depp’s unflinching approach, the poetic cinematography, and the nuanced script. One early reviewer from The Guardian remarked, “It is clear that Johnny Depp has not only made a film—he has painted it.”
Intimate Yet Grand in Scope
Shot largely on location in atmospheric corners of Budapest, the film recreates post-war Paris with extraordinary attention to detail. Every cobblestone street, smoky bar, and crumbling studio serves as a canvas upon which Modigliani’s inner chaos is vividly projected. The cinematographer Leon Pinter, credited in the promotional post, captures both the intimate anguish and grand artistic ambition of Modigliani’s world.
The decision to stream the film first in the UK and Ireland appears to be part of a deliberate strategy, building momentum and word-of-mouth ahead of a broader international release. Fans in other regions, such as the US and Canada, are eagerly awaiting news of wider availability, with many voicing their desire for the film in the post’s comments section.
Johnny Depp: Actor, Director, Visionary
This latest project further reinforces Johnny Depp’s evolution from Hollywood superstar to full-fledged auteur. With Modigliani, Depp has crafted something deeply personal and artistically ambitious, reflecting not only his admiration for the titular artist but also his own journey through fame, scrutiny, and reinvention.
While Depp’s acting career remains active, it’s clear that directing is a space where he feels both challenged and fulfilled. His ability to blend emotional intensity with visual poetry suggests that this may not be his last venture behind the camera.
What’s Next?
With Modigliani now reaching viewers in select countries, attention turns to award season speculation and whether Depp’s directorial efforts will be recognized by major film institutions. Regardless of accolades, Modigliani is already making waves for its bold artistry, raw emotion, and the sheer ambition behind its execution.
Depp’s fans—along with art lovers and cinephiles—now have the chance to witness his vision come to life in a film that redefines the biographical genre.
As one fan perfectly summed up in the comments of the IN.2 Instagram post:
