In a revealing interview on The Late Show With David Letterman back in 2009, Johnny Depp offered a rare glimpse into the mystery of why he never lays eyes on his cinematic creations.
With an impressive repertoire of over 81 movies under his belt, it might strike many as surprising that Johnny Depp has yet to view a single one. However, for those familiar with his sentiments towards Hollywood, this inclination comes as less of a shock.
As early as his debut on Entertainment Tonight in 1988, a 24-year-old Depp bluntly declared his aversion to the glitzy allure of Tinseltown. Though he did discuss his involvement in projects like 21 Jump Street and Platoon, his disinterest in Hollywood was palpable.
Now, at the age of 58, Depp remains steadfast in his habit of abstaining from watching his own work. Even during the 2012 Golden Globe Awards, when Ricky Gervais inquired about the critically panned movie "The Tourist," co-starring Angelina Jolie, Depp's response remained resolute: a simple, straightforward "no." But why does the enigmatic star choose to distance himself from his own on-screen creations?
"It's Just 'None Of His Business'"
Johnny Depp unveiled his reasoning during that memorable appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman in 2009, though he kept his usual air of restraint. He quipped that once his part in a film is completed, he considers the rest to be "none of my business." The audience chuckled, and Depp's expression lightened briefly before resuming its usual intensity.
When Letterman probed further, asking if Depp deliberately avoids watching the final cut, the actor replied, "Yeah, I stay as far away. If I can, I'd try to stay in as profound a state of ignorance as possible." The host humorously acknowledged that Depp was in the right place with that mindset.
As the laughter spread, the initial tension in Depp's face subsided, and he joined the audience in a round of applause. He seemed to comprehend that while his reasons were serious, to most, they appeared whimsical or eccentric, prompting him to play along with the jests.
Not A Fan Of Watching Himself
Letterman probed deeper, tactfully suggesting that perhaps it stemmed from insecurity. Calmly, Depp admitted, "It's just that you know, I don't like watching myself." This explanation holds weight, considering his numerous roles in Tim Burton's films, where he often donned clown-like appearances—a factor potentially connected to his coulrophobia, or fear of clowns.
The three-time Oscar nominee asserted that he values the creative process over the end product. As Letterman pointed out, Depp is, first and foremost, an artist and an actor. It turns out that Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix shares a similar sentiment, preferring to watch only a few of his own works, such as "The Master" and "Her." Just like Depp, Phoenix finds introspection through his craft, shying away from self-analysis on screen.
Even Angelina Jolie, Depp's former co-star, attested to his aversion, revealing that he hadn't seen many of her films either. "As an actress, you learn about your character, and you understand the overall picture of any film you're working on," she empathized.
But Johnny Depp's Kids Have Seen His Films
In an intriguing twist, Depp disclosed, "They've seen... actually my kids have seen more of my films than I have." Letterman couldn't resist asking if he was even slightly curious to catch a glimpse of himself on screen. Yet again, the answer was a resounding "no." Depp reiterated sincerely, "Truly, honestly," firmly putting the matter to rest. Even when questioned about "complex" films like "Pirates of the Caribbean," shot simultaneously, he maintained disinterest in viewing the final outcome.
"That is solid, buddy," Letterman conceded, finally acquiescing to the enigmatic actor's stance. Perhaps there isn't much more to uncover behind his refusal to watch his own performances. However, a perceptive fan commented on the YouTube clip of the interview, suggesting, "He always seems so nervous when he's interviewed, like he's not at ease with himself. There's the famous Johnny Depp and there's the normal guy still there. He's protecting himself." A plausible observation. What are your thoughts?
