LOS ANGELES-A new role for Johnny Depp: bookworm.

At last night's premiere of "The Rum Diary," Depp revealed his literary side, expressing a fondness for just about every genre. Asked by Speakeasy what he's reading, Depp reeled off a list of contemporary and classic works that includes fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

started reading 'The Psychopath Test,' which I thought was very good," Depp told Speakeasy, referring to journalist Jon Ronson's recent examination of psychiatry and psychology. "I'm re-reading 'Ulysses' by James Joyce and I've been re-reading a bit of 'Finnegans Wake,' which is impossible to get through."

Of course, Depp is no stranger to movies inspired by great writing. In Jim Jarmusch's "Dead Man," Depp plays a character named after William Blake, the British Romantic poet. Later, he played the lead character in Terry Gilliam's adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."

The actor returns to Thompson's world in "The "Rum Diary," which is based on the hard-drinking writer's experiences as a young reporter in Puerto Rico. The story follows the exploits of Paul Kemp, who locks horns with a corrupt American businessman played by Aaron Eckhart.

The first VIP to arrive was Graham King, the film's producer. King, who also produced "Traffic," "The Departed" and "The Town," said "The Rum Diary" benefited from Depp's previous experience with Thompson's work and the friendship the actor had struck with the writer, who killed himself in 2005.

"The movie means so much to him," King told Speakeasy in his thick English accent. "He knew the role."

Shortly after, Amber Heard, who plays a woman torn between Eckhart's and Depp's characters, prompted "ooohs" and "ahhhs" from the crowd. The actress posed for the paparazzi, in Louboutin heels and a red Elie Saab gown that her revealed her upper thigh.

Heard also spoke of the film in literary terms, telling Speakeasy her character is a "metaphorical symbol" and a "vehicle for the audience" as she travels between social classes.

Audience members seemed to enjoy the screening, which took place at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's theater. They applauded and cheered when the film ended with an image of a shirtless Thompson reclining on a chair and drinking on the beach. It's the same photo of Thompson that appears on the book's cover.

Sadly, Speakeasy wasn't shown the same affection at the after-party. Depp barred reporters from attending.

How Large Is Johnny Depp's Role in 21 Jump Street? "It's More Than Just a Moment," Says Costar

Wed., Oct. 12, 2011 7:31 AM PDT by Marc Malkin

Sounds like Johnny Depp's role in the upcoming movie adaptation of 21 Jump Street isn't a mere cameo.Could he actually be resurrecting Tom Hanson, the undercover high school cop he originated in the 1980s television series?No surprise, but all those involved are under strict orders to keep details about Depp's gig a secret. However...

It's more than just a moment," Jake Johnson, who plays the principal in the movie, tells us exclusively.

In fact, Johnson admits he wanted Depp's role. "It's a really fun part and I went to my agent afterwards and I was like, 'Hey man, I killed it!'" said Johnson, who currently costars in the new Fox comedy, New Girl. "I was like...I think I've got a really good shot. And he goes, 'For which character?' and I said the character and he goes, 'Yeah, you know, that's Johnny Depp's part if he wants it.'"

The big screen version stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum.

Depp told E! News shortly after wrapping Jump Street he worked with Hill and Tatum. "It was fun," he said.

He also told Entertainment Weekly "It might be difficult to spot me in this one right off the bat. I'll be a little...different."

Since when isn't Johnny Depp different?

 

http://www.eonline.com/news/marc_malkin/how_large_johnny_depps_role_in_21_jump/

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