While we’ve seen Johnny Depp play quirky and sometimes funny characters, you don’t necessarily think of him existing in the realm of slapstick comedy. The new film MORTDECAI may change that. Directed by David Koepp, the project is an adaptation of sorts based on the Kyril Bonfiglioli books from the 1970s. Depp plays an art dealer in search of a stolen painting, which may also have ties to missing Nazi gold… is it just me of does this have an Inspector Clouseau vibe to it? The supporting cast in rather impressive, including Paul Bettany, Aubrey Plaza, Jeff Goldblum, Olivia Munn, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor and Oliver Platt. The only worry here is the screenplay, which is written by Eric Aronson. Why is that an issue? Aronson’s only other screenwriting credit was the 2001 movie ON THE LINE, the Lance Bass and Joey Fatone romantic comedy effort, which bombed. Maybe this will be a bit of cinematic redemption for Eric. Then again, Depp is in need of a hit himself. Outside of the PIRATES films, Johnny’s recent movie efforts have been less than stellar. While it’s safe to call this one of the oddest trailers of the year, I’ll reserve full judgement until I see the actual film. Take a look for yourself and tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Juggling some angry Russians, the British Mi5, his impossibly leggy wife and an international terrorist, debonair art dealer and part time rogue Charlie Mortdecai (Johnny Depp) must traverse the globe armed only with his good looks and special charm in a race to recover a stolen painting rumored to contain the code to a lost bank account filled with Nazi gold.