Minamata is a true story about photojournalist W. Eugene Smith’s (Johnny Depp) life altering trip to Japan. It is 1971 and Smith is living as a recluse. When he receives an assignment from Life magazine, he heads to the coastal city of Minamata. There he encounters an illness that may be the result of decades of negligence. His photos helped draw worldwide attention to the horrible disease.
Depp has always been one of Hollywood’s most prolific actors. He has played iconic roles and starred in blockbuster franchises while also not being afraid to appear in smaller films that are not as commercially viable even when they are critical favorites. It has led to some fans admiring his wide acting range while at the same time others have mocked some of his more highly publicized flops.
Minamata gives Depp a role that allows him to show off his acting ability without necessitating the over the top mannerisms of some of his previous roles. As Smith, he plays the artist in conflict with everything. He has been forgotten by the world and has settled into his solitary life. It is a role that is at once familiar but also worrisome. It can easily become another over the top performance from Depp.
The character is something of a stereotype, but in Depp’s capable hands, it never comes off as trite. Depp has always had the talent to make even his most mundane characters interesting, and Minamata is no different. The performance is one of the best of the actor’s career. The story is a tale of a big corporation taking advantage of people who do not have power. In this case, it is the Chisso Corporation, a chemical company whose polluting of the local water supply led to the death of thousands. It is a shocking and sad story.
As powerful as the events are, Minamata only rises above being a sterile retelling thanks to the efforts of Depp. There is an emotional weight missing from the film that is noticeable when Smith is not a part of the proceedings. Obviously, this does not take away from the gravity of what transpired, but it is a testament to Depp’s abilities. It is a powerful story that becomes all the more captivating thanks to its lead.
Minamata comes to theaters December 15
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