Johnny Depp's Directorial Debut ‘Modì' Is A Biopic On Italian Artist: Who Was Amedeo Modigliani?

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Amedeo Modigliani was an Italian modern artist; a painter and sculptor known for his simplified and elongated forms
Hollywood actor Johnny Depp's first directorial effort in 25 years — Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness — released in theatres across the world last month.
The film features Italian actor Riccardo Scamarcio in the titular role of the bohemian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani alongside Al Pacino as an art collector, Maurice Gangnat.
Amedeo Modigliani was an Italian modern artist; a painter and sculptor known for his simplified and elongated forms. Adapted from Dennis McIntyre's play, it focuses on a 72-hour period in 1916 Paris when Modigliani awaits a patron whose purchase could change his life.
Who Was Amedeo Modigliani?
Born in Livorno, Italy on July 12, 1884, into a Jewish-heritage family that experienced financial decline in his youth.
Studied in Florence and Venice, rejecting traditional academic styles early on and turning to independent study, especially of Renaissance and African art.
Known for modernist portraits and nudes featuring elongated faces, necks, and limbs, with a minimalist yet expressive style that was initially under appreciated.
Transitioned from sculpture to painting: his early sculptural work featured simplified forms inspired by African and classical art, showcased in group exhibitions by 1912.
Personal Struggles & Legacy
Lived in poverty, battling tuberculosis, alcoholism, and substance dependence, and mostly died destitute in 1920 at age 35.
Despite only one solo exhibition during his lifetime, his works now fetch record prices—'Nu Couché (Reclining Nude)" sold for over $170 million in 2015.
How was the film received?
The film was showcased the San Sebastián International Film Festival (out of competition) on September 24, 2024 . It was premiered in Italy on October 26, 2024 at the Rome Film Festival. It was released in the UK on July 11, 2025
It has earned $492,740 to $493k worldwide.
Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 29 out of 100, based on 4 critics, indicating 'generally unfavorable" reviews.
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