The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival promotes its 57th edition with an advertisement in which he starred. Since the event is organized by the Czechs, a specific sense of humor is inscribed in its DNA. For over a dozen years, the event has traditionally released promotional films shot with a pinch of salt with the participation of world cinema stars. Previously, similar materials were recorded, e.g. John Malkovich, Jude Law, Mel Gibson and Helen Mirren.
Johnny Depp in a Czech film festival ad. It’s awkward
Trailers are already one of the permanent elements of the festival program, which is one of the oldest events of this type in the world. By definition, their scripts contain sketches using the most important festival award, the Crystal Globe – they are often attended by honorary guests of particular editions of the event. Depp was a special guest in Karlovy Vary two years ago and attracted a huge fanbase who followed his every move. However, the actor did not receive any awards, which he and the creators make fun of in the latest trailer.
The clip was directed by Ivan Zachariáš, experienced in this field. The whole thing starts with Depp showing up at the hotel for an interview about music – the fact that the actor is currently touring Europe with his Hollywood Vampires group is used here. In the beginning, we see him walking in slow motion and looking very star-studded. He has a guitar case with him and tries to act like a rock star. He tries, because an awkward situation occurs the moment he enters the building. The door won’t open, so Depp gets stuck in the frame for a while and has to scramble a bit to get inside.
Then there is an embarrassing question: how did it happen that although he was an honorary participant in the festival in Karlovy Vary, there is no prize from there, although literally everyone who goes there got one. “I did not get?” Depp asks with a mysterious smirk, then reaches into the case and pulls out a Crystal Globe statuette. The journalist turns it towards her and sees that the actor’s name has been taped to it.
The commercial was shot at the Gellert Hotel in Budapest. The director also revealed that while a script was written for Johnny Depp, the actor was very insistent that he be allowed to improvise during the two-and-a-half-hour shoot.
Festival director Kryštof Mucha said in a special statement: “Johnny Depp was extremely warmly received by our audience two years ago, which made him our great supporter. So he agreed to record a trailer for us, although his calendar is full to the limit. The film turned out great and I’m sure Johnny Depp will come to Karlovy Vary in person again.” The actor actually could not come to the festival because he sprained his ankle.
What were the previous trailers like? John Malkovich was lecturing a taxi driver about how a lifetime achievement award didn’t mean the end of his career, Jude Law turned his statue into an ornament, Harvey Keitel limped because someone dropped a heavy award on his foot. Andy Garcia used his Crystal Globe to break into his home, and Helen Mirren was terrified of her statuette moving on its own. Similar videos were also made by directors Milos Forman and Jiri Menzel.
The 57th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival started on Friday, June 30, and the event will last until July 8. This year, there is a special award for Russel Crowe – the actor received a Crystal Globe and also with his band Indoor Garden Party at the opening ceremony.
Source: Gazeta
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