Johnny ‘ Edward ‘ Depp

Johnny Depp has dominated news across the world for the past few months. He not only won the defamation suit against his former wife Amber Heard but also won millions of sympathisers as the defamation  case unfolded in the court room. The victory and the wave of support from the public are making a huge impact in resurrecting Johnny Depp’s  career which had taken a free fall and was caught in a terrible downward spiral post his peak in 2012 and more recently after his bitter separation and accusations  from Amber Heard. 

Today’s post has been inspired by Johnny Depp, but it may be  asked  as to what is ‘Edward’ doing in between. Speaking of sympathies galore for Johnny  Depp, I was reminded of a character played by him in the 1990 Tim Burton directed film ‘ Edward Scissorhands’. The film was a huge success commercially and also received massive critical acclaim. It is said to have garnered 4 times its $20 million budget and received Oscar and Bafta nominations for Johnny Depp.

When I saw Edward Scissorhands, like thousands across the world, I was not only moved by Edward but also felt hugely sympathetic towards him. The story is about  a humanoid, who has scissors instead of hands and lives in a deserted castle . He is accidentally found by a lady who seeing him harmless takes him to her home. Edward with his clean heart,  warmth,  intelligence and skills with his scissors wins the hearts of the lady’s family and the neighbourhood. He trims gardens, trees, pets and is a hit with women who get their hair done from him. Some of the scenes are laden with comedy and are extremely hilarious.

The film takes a serious turn when the Lady’s young daughter falls in love with Edward. The true simpleton as he was,  bereft of negative emotions and unable to see the bad in others Edward is unknowingly caught in an evil web. He is mistreated, abused and eventually leaves the girl (played by Winona Ryder ) in an emotionally charged separation. He goes back to his deserted castle to live a life of loneliness and solitude, never to return again.

Johnny Depp, was exceptional in the role of Edward. His emotive brilliance was second to none wherein he displayed a wide  array of emotions virtually through his eyes and facial expressions. It was impossible for the audience to not feel for Edward and sympathise with him. Though Johnny Depp got unimaginable commercial success and fame by playing Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates series, for me his role in Edward Scissorhands ( a must watch film ) stands head and shoulders above the cult Jack Sparrow.

The wave in his favour these days might just prop him up, but Johnny  Depp is too good an actor to depend on such waves. He might just surprise us with a brilliant performance anytime. Let’s not forget he is Edward of Edward Scissorhands