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Lucky Amber Heard Takes Role Opposite Depp

BuzzSugar — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:30:07 PST

Reportedly Amber Heard is the lucky actress to take every woman's dream job: Playing a romantic interest for Johnny Depp's character in a movie. The two will star together in Rum Diary, a film adaptation of the Hunter S. Thompson novel. Here's more:

Diary will place Heard at the front and center of a love triangle in the tale of a washed-up, hard-drinking journalist named Paul Kemp (Depp) in 1950s Puerto Rico. Heard will play Chenault, the free-spirited girlfriend of a fellow journalist who cheats on him with Kemp, trying to convince him to run away with her.

The role drew strong interest from many a leading lady (Scarlett Johansson and Keira Knightley were among those reported to have been vying for it), though some had reservations regarding the nudity the role calls for. But that didn't inhibit Heard - in the upcoming ensemble Bret Easton Ellis adaptation The Informers, she spends all but one scene in the flesh. Diary, however, also will offer the opportunity to showcase some dramatic chops.

The role of the third point of the love triangle is still open. What male actor could join the cast to make Heard the luckiest actress?

Source and source

Gonzo: Focusing on the Work of Hunter S. Thompson

BuzzSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:30:46 PDT

Hunter S. Thompson isn't always associated with terms like "brilliant writer" or "inventor of gonzo journalism" or even "patriot." By the time his famous work Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was adapted for film in 1998, he was becoming a caricature and a symbol of a bygone era. Just as there is irony in one of history's most complicated revolutionaries, Che Guevara, being boiled down to an Urban Outfitters t-shirt, it is equally reductive to oversimplify Thompson as some kind of drug-addled delinquent without a cause.

Now that I've seen what will likely be referred to as the definitive documentary about Thompson's life by the Oscar-winning director of Taxi to the Dark Side, it's clear that reducing him to a kind of hipster icon who lived only to push the boundaries of consciousness with extreme substance abuse is terribly simplistic and inaccurate. Through the folks who knew him well (Jimmy Carter, publisher of Rolling Stone Jann Wenner, George McGovern, his first wife, etc.) the picture that emerges from this movie is of a man who was a walking, talking challenge to the status quo.

To read what surprised me about the good doctor's life and why this is an entertaining jaunt through recent history,

read more. Sure, the guy enjoyed ingesting large amounts of drugs. Yet, the most striking part of the documentary is that his drug abuse wasn't your run-of-the-mill self-destructive cycle of an addict, but rather the fuel used during this extraordinary man's most productive years to pump out pages of writing that was, at that point in history, unlike anything anyone had ever read. The movie is bookended by the requisite biographical details of where he was from and how his life ended, but the most entertaining and historically interesting part of the movie is the period in which he was riding high on his talent (roughly 1965-1975). And if there is a nit to be picked, it's that the movie is probably too long. Focusing on his most productive years could have been enough. The downward spiral ending in suicide, followed by the lavish, celebrity-studded memorial services might have been better told in some ending text and pictures during the credits. During this productive period he was pretty busy: riding and living with the Hell's Angels, writing and publishing books and articles, running for sheriff of Aspen and covering the 1972 election for Rolling Stone. The movie is narrated exclusively through Thompson's words, either from old footage or readings done by Johnny Depp (who befriended Thompson when he was preparing to portray him in Fear and Loathing). It's clear from these words that, in addition to being madly, bitingly hilarious, he was deeply committed to certain ideals. The film is nostalgic and informative, but what makes it also tragic is how much Thompson cared for this country. It feels as though everything he did came from a deep love and fascination with the American dream. Even more compelling was his laser-like obsession with the people he saw as a threat to that dream. Enemy number one: Richard Nixon. Some of the most side-splittingly funny moments of the documentary come from readings of his most acerbic prose directed toward Nixon, a man he basically regarded as the root of all evil. My other favorite moment is his run for office in Aspen where he brings "freaks" and "hippies" to the small town, and shaves his head so he could say he was running against the long-haired guy. Make no mistake about it: this movie has a point of view, with the director often visually depicting the parallels between Thompson's world then and what's going on now. It's the emphasis on Thompson's words, his work, and his hope for the forces of good to triumph in America that makes this documentary riveting. It might have been easier to focus on the drugs and the hilarity that often ensued wherever he went. But more than just being a blast to hang out with, Thompson was a transcendent talent who ruthlessly criticized the establishment. Photos courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

Movie Preview: Gonzo: The Life & Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

BuzzSugar — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:30:09 PDT

This new documentary from the Oscar-winning director of Taxi to the Dark Side takes a look at the life and times of Hunter S. Thompson. Johnny Depp, who portrayed Thompson in the 1998 film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas narrates the story which aims to show how Thompson's unconventional lifestyle and worldview led to the invention of gonzo journalism.

The trailer looks insanely fascinating and paints a bigger picture of Thompson's life than the drug-addled boozer he's generally portrayed to be.

From the movie's web site:

The film addresses the major touchstones in Thompson's life - his intense and ill-fated relationship with the Hell's Angels, his near-successful bid for the office of sheriff in Aspen in 1970, the notorious story behind the landmark Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, his deep involvement in Senator George McGovern’s 1972 presidential campaign, and much more.

The movie will open July 4. To watch the preview for yourself,

read more. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

Johnny Depp Promotes Rum in Paris and Earns Two PCA Nods

Katie Henry — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:41:00 PST

Johnny Depp was in France for the second day in a row and joined his Rum Diary costar, Amber Heard, and the film's director Bruce Robinson at the Paris photocall this morning. The movie's French title translates into Rhum Express and opens there later this month. Johnny's been traveling through Europe on behalf of his latest Hunter S. Thompson adaption, a project suitable for adults, however he's also gearing up for the release of the 3D children's flick Hugo, which he helped produce and is due out this holiday. In collaboration with director Martin Scorsese, Johnny helped produce the film that reportedly cost nearly $170,000 to make. Movie budgets are on the top of Johnny's priorities lately with news that his next film, The Lone Ranger, is back on track after Disney was able to tighten the budget to $215 million down from the original estimate of $250 million.

It's been an exciting year for Johnny who starred in three successful films, and he just earned a pair of nominations for the 2012 People's Choice Awards. Johnny was recognized for favorite male actor and favorite animated movie voice for his work in Rango. Check out the full list of People's Choice Awards nominations now!

Johnny Depp Thrills Oxford Students With His Latest Rum Diary Press Stop!

Allie Merriam — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 02:02:00 PST

Johnny Depp was in a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of necklaces yesterday to pose outside the Oxford Union in England. The private debate club was one of many stops on Johnny's UK press tour for The Rum Diary, and members were eager to hear what the actor had to say. Organizers raffled off tickets to hear Johnny speak after demand far exceeded the 500-seat capacity of the theater! Johnny also spoke to the London paper The Guardian about his new movie, friendship with author Hunter S. Thompson, and love for Europe. Johnny admitted to really not disliking anything about European ways of life. He said, "It's a very old and beautiful culture, people know how to live. You know, [in London] you have Sunday roast or the pub lunch, that kind of thing. It's comforting. We don't have that in our culture in the States. Sunday is football day, so it's chicken wings and pizza."

Nicole Richie Puts Her Most Stylish Foot Forward For a Grocery Run

Lauren Turner — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 02:04:00 PDT

Nicole Richie wore leopard flats and carried her black Givenchy bag as she ran errands in LA yesterday. She met up with a friend for a lunch date, which came after an exciting weekend for the star. Nicole attended Kate Hudson's Halloween bash dressed as Jennifer Lopez while her husband Joel Madden went as writer Hunter S. Thompson. Nicole and Joel were back in costume as a pirate and a prince on Monday night to go trick-or-treating with their little ones. Harlow was decked out in a princess outfit and Sparrow rocked a cute pumpkin suit. They weren't the only celebrity family that got into the Halloween spirit since Jessica Alba and her crew celebrated the holiday, as did Alessandra Ambrosio and her daughter.

Nicole Richie Takes Her Little Pumpkin and Princess to a Party With Joel Madden

Lauren Turner — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:10:39 PDT

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden got into the Halloween spirit with their kids, Harlow and Sparrow, in LA this afternoon. The family of four headed to a party with Harlow dressed as a princess and Sparrow in a pumpkin suit. Nicole was back in costume as a witch after getting festive this weekend for Kate Hudson's annual Halloween party. She channeled Jennifer Lopez in a hot-pink Juicy Couture track suit, and Joel went as writer Hunter S. Thompson, while other stars went all out with their outfits. Ali Larter and her husband were bumble bees, and Gwen Stefani donned an over-the-top Cinderella look. See all the stars in Halloween costumes here!

The Rum Diary: A Hangover You Won't Mind

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 03:05:00 PDT

You know that friend who always has a crazy story to tell about one time he was "so drunk"? The tale meanders into several different tangents, and by the time you get to the middle, you've forgotten how it started and realize the story is going nowhere. And yet, you don't mind listening because you're highly entertained the whole time. That's basically The Rum Diary. Johnny Depp stars in the film as Paul Kemp, a journalist who takes a job at a struggling newspaper in Puerto Rico in the 1950s in the adaption of Hunter S. Thompson's novel. He's excited to be on the island and eager to get to work, but he's relegated to writing horoscopes and profiles on tourists. Kemp fights to cover some of the region's more important issues, but he loses his focus on work whenever his favorite pastime comes into play: drinking.

Thanks to the proliferation of rum in the area and his ever-willing drinking buddy Sala (Michael Rispoli), there are always plenty of opportunities for various adventures. Kemp sobers up long enough to get involved with a morally questionable project, lured by charming but crooked businessman Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart). Or more accurately, he's lured in by Sanderson's temptress of a girlfriend, Chenault (Amber Heard). Though Kemp has a few ambitions when the movie begins, they mostly devolve into afterthoughts as he becomes more consumed with his alcohol-soaked lifestyle and his crush on Chenault. It parallels the film's similar lack of direction; though a few plot threads are introduced, they're all abandoned in favor of portraying Kemp's partying ways on the sandy shores of Puerto Rico. To find out why that's not necessarily a bad thing, just keep reading

Johnny Depp Swings By David Letterman's Studio

Lindsay Miller — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:28:51 PDT

Johnny Depp stopped by David Letterman's studios in NYC today to tape an interview that airs Thursday evening. Johnny has been in the Big Apple this week promoting his movie The Rum Diary and joined his costar Amber Heard to debut the film in the city last night. Johnny has also made time to indulge his musical side in between his press stops for the movie. Last weekend, Johnny took the stage with ZZ Top in Austin, TX, to play guitar with the band! The Rum Diary is getting mediocre reviews so far, but Johnny has said the movie was a personal passion for him, as he's playing a version of his longtime friend Hunter S. Thompson in the film. It's the second time he's portraying the writer on the big screen, having also taken on the role in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which hit theaters more than a decade ago.

Johnny Depp Takes The Rum Diary on the Road

Lindsay Miller — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:30:51 PDT

Johnny Depp wore in his signature shades for the NYC premiere of The Rum Diary last at the Museum of Modern Art. The Big Apple debut of the film was its second premiere this month. Just a couple of weeks ago, Johnny was in LA with his castmates Amber Heard and Aaron Eckhart to unveil the off-kilter comedy on the West Coast. Amber made a quick trip east for the affair, having stepped out Monday at the Hollywood Film Awards in Beverly Hills, where she accepted a Hollywood Spotlight Award. Johnny also had his close friend - and the man who inspired Captain Jack Sparrow - Keith Richards by his side at the event, and New Yorkers like actress Zoe Kravitz also turned up for the screening. The Rum Diary gives Johnny the opportunity to revisit his role as a thinly veiled Hunter S. Thompson from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and the actor is reportedly planning to play yet another literary figure, Dr. Seuss, in an upcoming biopic.