The trailer for Minamata, starring Johnny Depp, has been released.
The film, directed by Andrew Levitas, is set in New York 1971 and follows photographer Eugene Smith (Johnny Depp), who – after having once been one of the most revered photojournalists of World War II – has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. According to the official synopsis, “a secret commission from Life magazine editor Robert Hayes (Bill Nighy) sends him to the Japanese coastal city of Minamata, which has been ravaged by mercury poisoning; the result of decades of gross industrial negligence by the country’s Chisso Corporation. There, Smith immerses himself in the community, documenting their efforts to live with Minamata Disease and their passionate campaign to achieve recognition from Chisso and the Japanese government. Armed with only his trusted camera, Smith’s images from the toxic village give the disaster a heartbreaking human dimension, and his initial assignment turns into a life-changing experience”.
The cast also includes Hiroyouki Sanada, Bill Nighy, Minami, Tadanobu Asano, Ryo Kase and Jun Kunimura.
The trailer gives viewers a glimpse at Smith’s life and challenges in Minamata, as well as at the positive reviews the movie and Depp’s performance have received. “Depp gives his best performance,” “Depp disappears into the role,” “Levitas’ film resonates powerfully with current times” are only some of the rewiews.
Minamata will be released next year, in 2021.
