On January 30, 2024, Russian cinemas will premiere the biographical film "Modi: Three Days on the Wings of Madness," directed by Johnny Depp. The film focuses on the life of Italian expressionist artist Amedeo Modigliani, portrayed by Riccardo Scamarcio, and features notable actors such as Al Pacino and Stephen Graham. The narrative unfolds over three pivotal days in 1916 Paris, highlighting Modigliani's struggles with his art and personal life amidst a bohemian lifestyle.
The film's world premiere occurred on September 24, 2023, at the 72nd International Film Festival in San Sebastian. It is based on a play by Dennis McIntyre and was filmed primarily in Hungary and Romania, with some scenes featuring Al Pacino shot in the United States. The Russian distributor, Russian World Vision (RWV), co-produced the film, marking their second collaboration with Depp's production company, following the release of "Jeanne Du Barry" in 2023.
Depp has expressed that Modigliani's artistic drive was so strong that he could not abandon his craft, stating, "He was at the mercy of his talents, at the mercy of his fickle nature. There was no other way for him." Depp draws parallels between Modigliani's life and the experiences of various artists he admires, emphasizing the notion that true artists face a choice of "create or die."
