Johnny Depp, the accomplished young star who plays opposite Marlon Brando in "Don Juan DeMarco," his latest film, will be honored in a Dartmouth Film Society Tribute 8 p.m. April 29, at the Hopkins Center.
Bill Pence, director of Hopkins Center Film, which includes the venerable Ivy League Film Society, will present Depp with the Dartmouth Film Award in recognition of his work.
"Dartmouth is proud to celebrate the art and achievements of Johnny Depp," Pence said. "It is time that the sensitivity, skill and originality of this extraordinary young actor be recognized."
The 31-year-old actor has established himself by bringing to life a series of quirky characters in a string of off-beat films, many of which have become cult classics. He first made his mark in the title role of Tim Burton's "Edward Scissorhands" after which he became one of Hollywood's most sought-after young talents.
His other movies include "Benny and Joon," a humorous love story co-starring Aidan Quinn and Mary Stuart Masterson; "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," again in the title role; and Arizona Dream, with Jerry Lewis and Faye Dunaway.
Last year he again teamed up with Burton in the critically acclaimed "Ed Wood," based on the life story of one of Hollywood's most eccentric B-movie directors. Currently, he's shooting "Dead Man" with Jim Jarmusch, an independent filmmaker.
Depp grew up in Miramar, Florida, where he dropped out of high school, formed a rock band and moved to Los Angeles. He drifted into films at the suggestion of friend Nicholas Cage after his rock band broke up and he found himself unemployed.
His first screen appearance, in "Nightmare on Elm Street," was followed by minor roles in "Slow Burn," "Private Resort" and the Academy Award-winning "Platoon."
He became a teenage heart-throb when he played an undercover detective Tom Hanson on the popular Fox television series, "21 Jump Street," for four seasons.
Depp returned to the big screen lampooning his teen idol image in John Waters' "Cry-Baby," a film that essentially gained him recognition as a serious artist. The film became a cult classic and brought Depp enough visibility to put him in the running for "Edward Scissorhands," the film that assured his career. Despite having a reputation as a renegade, he's been on an upward path ever since.
Depp is the 32nd recipient of the Dartmouth Film Award, established in 1979 to recognize outstanding contributions to filmmaking. Some of the earlier recipients are Lillian Gish, Athol Fugard, Michael Powell, Robert Redford, Cab Calloway, Glenn Close, Ken Burns and most recently, James Ivory.
In addition to the award presentation, the tribute will include a compilation of film clips reprising Depp's career and the Upper Valley premiere of "Don Juan DeMarco."
Director of the Dartmouth Film Society, Owen Gottlieb '95, said "Johnny Depp has created some of the most unique roles in recent cinema, from "Edward Scissorhands" to "Ed Wood." He endows his creations with honesty, passion and a sense of wonder. It is a great honor to welcome him to Dartmouth."
Admission to the Tribute to Johnny Depp at 8 p.m. April 29 in Spaulding Auditorium of the Hopkins Center costs $10 for general admission and $3 for Dartmouth Film Society passholders.
Tickets and information are available from the Hopkins Center Box Office, open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 8:30 p.m. for window sales. Telephone orders are accepted Tuesday through Saturday between noon and 7 p.m. at (603) 646-2422.
