Pacino joins the cast of Modi
"This is a snapshot of Modigliani's life that gives us insight into his struggle as an artist suffering from lack of recognition," producer Barry Navidi said.
Al Pacino has joined the cast of the Johnny Depp-directed biopic about Amedeo Modigliani, an Italian Jewish artist recognised for his distinctively stylised portraits and tumultuous personal life.
In Modi, Pacino is slated to portray Maurice Utrillo, an art collector and contemporary of Modigliani.
The film is set to commence production later this year in Budapest.
It will follow the trials and tribulations of the painter and sculptor in 1916 war-torn Paris.
“This is a snapshot of Modigliani’s life that gives us insight into his struggle as an artist suffering from lack of recognition,” producer Barry Navidi said.
Modigliani, born to a Sephardic Jewish family in Italy in 1884, is celebrated for his unique, elongated portraits and nudes, which are characterised by their stretched necks, faces and bodies, and the tranquil, somewhat detached expressions they bear. Key elements of Modigliani’s style include form simplification, abstraction of the human figure, and a restrained colour palette.
Despite his work receiving little acclaim during his lifetime and his struggle with poverty, Modigliani’s art is highly prized today.
The movie will mark Depp’s second directorial venture, following The Brave in 1997.
Times of Israel
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