Johnny Depp to take the director’s chair for the first time in a quarter of a century

The film is based on the story of an "artistic legend" 

Johnny Depp is set to direct a movie as he ramps up attempts to resuscitate his Hollywood career. The actor, fresh out of a long-winded defamation trial, will return behind the camera for “Modigliani,” a biographical drama about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. Al Pacino is producing the film along with Barry Navidi. IN.2, the European arm of production company Infinitum Nihil, is backing the film. Based on Dennis McIntyre’s play of the same name and adapted for screen by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski, “Modigliani” takes place in 1916 Paris and tells the story of the Italian-born painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani. According to the film’s release, Modigliani, “long considered by himself a critical and commercial failure, navigates a turbulent and eventful 48 hours that will become a turning point in his life, ultimately solidifying his reputation as an artistic legend.” “The saga of Mr. Modigliani’s life is one that I’m incredibly honored, and truly humbled, to bring to the screen,” Depp said in a statement. “It was a life of great hardship, but eventual triumph — a universally human story all viewers can identify with.” It was announced last week that Depp had signed a new seven-figure deal with Dior to be the face of Sauvage men's scent. Dior bosses and famous fashion photographer Greg Williams were spotted at one of Depp and Jeff Beck's rock concerts in Paris. Depp toured with Beck after he won his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard on June 1. According to TMZ sources, Depp did a photo shoot with Williams before and after the Paris show, and the content will be used in a new Dior advertising campaign. When Heard first made allegations against Depp, Dior stopped airing the Sauvage commercial. However, when a jury in Fairfax Virginia found in his favour, the ad featured in key time slots on FOX. Related links:

• Bryce Dallas Howard says she was paid 'so much less' than Chris Pratt for Jurassic World
• Chris Pratt says Harrison Ford scared him off from ever taking over Indiana Jones role
• Jessica Alba criticises Marvel because films are 'still quite caucasian'
• Chris Pratt doesn't want you to call him Chris Pratt because it isn't his name even though it is