As a film enthusiast and a connoisseur of behind-the-scenes drama, I find the story of Barry Navidi truly captivating. Born in pre-revolution Iran and growing up on a diet of Hollywood and Bollywood films, little did he know that one day he would be working with legends like Marlon Brando and Al Pacino.
For filmmaker Barry Navidi, directing Johnny Depp’s return to directing, “Modi, Three Days on the Wings of Madness,” represents a closing chapter in an extraordinary and unusual professional journey.
30 years ago, Navidi and Depp first collaborated on the 1995 project “Divine Rapture,” but that collaboration ended in dismay when the production was halted. However, this Tuesday, they will experience a peak together as they celebrate the world premiere of “Modi” at San Sebastian Film Festival.
In the chaotic backdrop of war-ravaged Paris during 1916, the movie “Modi” narrates an intense 72-hour period in the tumultuous existence of the bohemian artist Amedeo Modigliani (portrayed by Riccardo Scamarcio). Faced with relentless pursuits from law enforcement and wrestling with the idea of departing the city, Modi is persuaded to remain by his artistic comrades. Following a night filled with hallucinations, he crosses paths with American art collector Maurice Gangnat (played by Al Pacino), who holds the potential to drastically alter his life trajectory.
Hailing from pre-revolutionary Iran, Navidi spent his childhood captivated by both Hollywood and Indian films. Among these, “The Godfather,” featuring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, left a lasting impact on him. As if guided by destiny, he eventually collaborated with both Brando and Pacino, according to his own account.
Navidi’s cinematic adventure started as his father motivated him to chase his dreams. “Typically, most Iranians become lawyers, dentists, doctors, or property magnates,” he reminisces. However, his father said, “You have the freedom to choose whatever path you desire.
Navidi’s fatherly approval paved the way for him to attend a boarding school in England and eventually the London Film School. It was during his time at the film school where he crossed paths with Danny Huston, the son of renowned director John Huston. This encounter would turn out to be significant in his life.
Navidi recounts that as a child, John was the one who brought me into nearly everyone’s circle,” he says. “I often found myself in Los Angeles with John, Orson Welles, Fred Zinnemann, Paul Newman, and many more of his friends. I simply sat there, absorbing their conversations and experiences. It felt like hitting the jackpot.
At the start of his professional journey, Navidi experienced an unanticipated change when he worked on “Divine Rapture,” a 1995 film featuring Brando, Depp, Debra Winger, and John Hurt. This production, however, halted during filming in Ballycotton, Ireland due to financial issues affecting the production company. This event had a profound impact on Navidi.
When finance and investors vanished without prior notice at the last moment, it turned out to be a devastating incident for him. Following this collapse, he confessed that he lost his motivation to work on the project.
During this time, the bond between Navidi and Brando grew stronger. The actor encouraged Navidi to take on “The Merchant of Venice,” which ultimately led to a pivotal moment in his career. As Navidi remembers, Marlon was the one who said, “Why don’t you challenge Al Pacino?” This connection evolved into an enduring 22-year collaboration, resulting in productions such as “The Merchant of Venice” (2004) and “Wilde Salome” (2011).
The origins of “Modi” can be traced back to Pacino, who introduced Navidi to the play “Modigliani” written by Dennis McIntyre. As Navidi puts it, “Al had a profound and emotional connection with the content.” After years of refining the project, Depp stepped in to take on the director’s role.
“Johnny fell in love with it,” Navidi says. “He’s got his DNA all over the picture.”
In regards to Johnny Depp’s recent legal disputes, Navidi continues to stand by his side, affirming, “He’s been cleared of all charges and won the case.” Navidi further states, “Ultimately, opinions don’t matter much because he’s innocent and has a strong network of supporters in Hollywood. I believe that this film could help re-establish his reputation and open up new opportunities. I am confident that his standing in Hollywood will improve, but more importantly, the public’s love for him will grow.
For the grand premiere of “Modi,” Navidi is concluding work on a different long-awaited production titled “Lear Rex.” In this film, Al Pacino takes on the leading character. The impressive lineup of actors also includes Jessica Chastain, Rachel Brosnahan, and Peter Dinklage.
Navidi exclaims that Al’s performance is simply extraordinary, remarking that if there was a definition for Al Pacino in a dictionary, it would be ‘unwavering passion’,
Moving forward, Navidi has multiple works in progress, such as “Skylark,” an upcoming romantic-thriller that draws inspiration from Albert Einstein’s romance with a Russian spy. Additionally, he is pondering the possibility of revisiting “Divine Rapture” for a directorial role this time around.
Navidi expresses a desire to return to the exact same spot for his potential directorial venture, as he’s already familiar with the narrative. He believes he can handle the direction himself.
Pondering back on his professional journey, Navidi underscores the significance of resources and tenacity for budding producers. “It was the materials that brought me to Brando, it was the materials that brought me to Pacino,” he points out. “However, you must also possess an additional drive to strive, to create opportunities.
Despite all challenges, Navidi consistently prioritizes the craft of teamwork. “I’m not one to pursue personal visions,” he states, “Rather, once I choose a director and collaborate with them and the rest of the crew, I prefer to step back and allow them to lead.
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2024-09-24 08:47