Film studies A2 – Small Scale Research Project

During this research project, I will be focussing my topic area on, film star Johnny Depp, looking into the variety of work he has taken part in and the many genres of film he has starred in. I will be using the film Sleepy Hollow (1999) as my main focus film, linking this between his role in Pirates of the Caribbean- The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), and Public Enemies (2009). I’ve chosen these films to show the difference in genre and how ‘Depp’ adapts with his work, branching out to more than one type of role.  Were actors often focus on one genre only, finding it difficult to fall out of a certain genre of work and not be associated with it.

I intend to focus my work on the audience responses between ‘Depp’ in his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean, Sweeney Todd, and Sleepy Hallow, showing the huge changes in character characteristics, emotions, and reactions within a film. I intend to research into what genre he is most preferred in, and what genre audiences think of when they think of ‘Depp’. Finding out which genre he is thought to have suited the role better.

I have chosen these three films to help demonstrate the huge differences in character roles, and how although neither character can relate to one another, ‘Depp’ plays each role to his best ability, showing originality and variety within each film his is featured in.

By doing this I hope to be able to discuss whether or not, all actors can branch out into many different roles and genres, and whether or not once an actor has made a big impression in a particular role, is it difficult for them to leave and be taken seriously as a whole new character.

I’ve chosen Johnny Depp as I feel that he is one of the few actors that can do this, and doesn’t stay to one Genre of Film, but creates new and inventive characters with each project he becomes a part of. Where in Pirates of the Caribbean he is seen as an eccentric, dramatic, and insane pirate. In Sleepy hallow he is represented as a Smart, and curious detective, however in Public enemies, he is seen as the opposite, becoming the criminal, being the Most wanted felon in America for his crime of Robbing banks.

I also hope to focus on how a particular films can be judged to be good or bad, by who the main star is, as the actor not only has to play the role well, but they also have to look the part to create a convincing character for the audience. Within the first major films as an actor, audiences create ideas and attachments to them in certain roles, finding it difficult to change. Especially if the film is a huge success, the actor will forever be associated with that one role. However this can also be an advantage as it allows Films to use the actors star appeal to draw in more audiences.