A Day Late Friend

I decided I would sit down and write out my 10 favorite performances of Johnny Depp within films. Now these aren't specifically his 10 best films, but rather his best acting jobs within those movies. So without further ado, here they are with a quick explanation.

1. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Johnny Depp showed his acting range along with his voice. I'd say this was his gutsiest performance in his whole career -- I mean, he gave it his all to show that he could sing when so many doubted him.

2. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
More of a nostalgic choice, this film is what introduced Johnny Depp to the world as the naive and lost project of a dead scientist. While he doesn't have too many lines in the film, his acting without words is what proves to be what makes this film a cult classic.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
This would have been number two, but with the overexposure of the character, I dare say that I grew a little tired of Captain Jack Sparrow by the end of the series. But looking back, the first time we saw Jack was the first time the mass audience really grasped a hold of Johnny Depp and his acting range.

4. Ed Wood (1994)
While not too many of the world has seen this movie, I'd have to say this is one of his most under-appreciated films. It may be because no one knows about it or the film isn't to their tastes, but Ed Wood is an amazing film that needs more recognition.

5. Finding Neverland (2004)
Some may say he was performed by child actor Freddie Highmore, Johnny Depp was nominated for a Best Actor Award from the Academy, and rightfully so. Having Highmore and Kate Winslet to work off of, Depp gives an emotional performance that adults should appreciate.

6. Donnie Brasco (1997)
"Forget about it!" Not too many people will know the origin of this line/quote, so let me fill you in: it came from Donnie Brasco! One of my personal favorite crime/gangster films, Johnny Depp plays the lead character perfectly as he infiltrates the crime organization of Al Pacino and acts as one of their own.

7. Blow (2001)
Penelope Cruz makes her American big screen debut in this film and what better to play opposite of Johnny Depp. Depp is the star of this movie and all the other actors (including Paul Reubens) benefit from it.

8. What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
This may be the collaboration of two of my favorite actors -- Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio -- and both actors give one of their earliest most aspiring performances. DiCaprio does a little better on his own playing a special needs child, but Depp, and his unremorseful state of being, keep the film always on edge.

9. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest / At World's End (2006-2007)
If it weren't for the poor acting of Orlando Bloom, and not to forget pacing and storytelling, I'd say both of these films would rank higher. Maybe it's because that it didn't feel as original and classic the second and third time around, but Jack Sparrow was like an overplayed radio song that you loved and wish the radio would take it off so it wouldn't ruin the enjoyment of the song. Still, there's no denying that Jack Sparrow was one of the better characters created in the new millennium, even if America took him around the block a few too many times.

10. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
His portrayal of a weird and estranged Ichabod Crane proved to be comical while he played detective to the Headless Horsemen. I felt his awkwardness with every line he spoke and gave a new insight on what Ichabod Crane could have been like through the story rather than the old style that we are normally given in other tales.



Other Nominations:
Chocolat (2000)
Dead Man (1995)