JOHNNY DEPP IS W. EUGENE SMITH IN MINIMATA

Filming has begun in Japan to portray one of the most inspiring photo essayists ever. W. Eugene Smith’s images in Life magazine are legendary for their powerful emotion and use of low key light. His 1948 series, “Country Doctor”, is now recognized as “the first extended editorial photo story”.

The film, set in in 1971 and starring Johnny Depp, follows Smith’s along his last great essay as he takes on a powerful corporation responsible for mercury poisoning the coastal village of Minamata, Japan. Bill Nighy co-stars, Benoît Delhomme films, and Andrew Levitas directs. Release date is 2020. I can’t wait.

PS. In terms of influences, Ernst Haas was my mentor and Gene Smith was my historical figure.

(Photo above: Hanway Films)