Luke McWilliams gives his review of the 2020 drama, Minamata, starring Johnny Depp and directed by Andrew Levitas.
In 1971, formerly acclaimed American photojournalist W. Eugene Smith (Johnny Depp) receives a commission from his old boss Robert Hayes (Bill Nighy) at Life magazine to return to Japan to investigate the poisoning of Minamata residents. After refusing, a pair of Minamata citizens visit the reclusive photographer.
Depp plays the quintessential photographer. With a scruffy white beard, unkempt locks, glasses, beret, constantly lit cigarette and bottomless glass of alcohol, the world-weary and pessimistic Smith is aware of his mortality and frivolous life. His long-suffering (ex) boss remembers the man and photographer Smith once was, and so believes in his ability to investigate the tragedy unfolding in Minamata and present it to the world.
Once in Japan with translator Aileen Mioko (Minami), Smith works to capture the effects of mercury poisoning on the villagers and, in doing so, becomes embroiled in the fight against the Chisso Corporation responsible for polluting the region’s water. Through Smith’s struggles with internal and external obstacles, he inadvertently gains the trust of the small fishing community necessary to fully utilise his talents.
Depp completely inhabits Smith, a man with a sensitive soul although hardened by the world around him. It is through the commission in Minamata that Smith achieves a sort of redemption; joining the world he had turned away from and, in doing so, marking a measurable difference in countless lives.
Verdict: Depp has never been better. An Oscar nod for sure! 4.5 stars.
Minamata is showing at Dendy and Palace Cinemas.
- Luke McWilliams| themovieclub.net
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