Run time: 110 mins

Johnny Depp marks his return to directing after nearly 30 years, presenting a framed, fictional account of 72 hours in the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani during wartime Paris.

Riccardo Scamarcio takes the lead role, embodying Modigliani’s restless, bohemian spirit as he fights for recognition amid poverty and illness. The story follows him through late-night bar outings, tense meetings with his art dealer (Stephen Graham), and clashes with critics and authorities. A notable turning point is his encounter with art collector Maurice Gangnat, played by Al Pacino in a brief but striking scene, that highlights the tension between creative freedom and commercial validation. Scenes with fellow artists Chaim Soutine and Maurice Utrillo offer glimpses into the camaraderie and chaos of the era.

Visually, the film leans on warm, painterly tones and smoky interiors, faithfully evoking early 20th-century Paris and Modigliani’s aesthetic. Depp’s direction is steady, giving Scamarcio room to explore the artist’s drive and vulnerability without overpowering the narrative.

Modi doesn’t blaze new trails in the biopic genre, and its tone remains measured throughout. But it succeeds in offering a thoughtful, visually polished snapshot of an artist who never saw his work’s worth in his own lifetime.