The Evolution Of Johnny Depp

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From teen dream victim to public enemy...

Ichabod Crane - Sleepy Hollow (1999)

The role: Burton again, but this time it all feels a little bit more strained, as though Tim were working out his own issues.

Still, Depp impresses as Ichabod Crane, all gawky cowardice and gadget-obsessed neuroses as the ghost-hunter.

Jack Sparrow-o-meter: Like me, the man’s cowardly, but he’s such a square! No, thank you. 4/10.

George Jung - Blow (2001)

The role: Another real-life figure in George Jung, the man who established the market for cocaine in the 1970s.

The movie itself feels like Depp-lite, but there’s still plenty to enjoy as the actor gets his teeth into the role of the hard-partying fugitive.

Jack Sparrow-o-meter: Another businessman, but this trade is close-enough to booze-running to appeal. 6/10 .

Jack Sparrow - Pirates Of The Caribbean (2003/2006/2007)

The role: Though he was already cemented as a star in the Hollywood firmament, Depp’s fame soared thanks to a role based on a theme park ride.

Yes, Jack… the swaggering, imbibing, wenching, stealing, walking lie factory was a near perfect distillation of everything Depp does so well – imbue outlandish characters with heart.

Jack Sparrow-o-meter: Never heard of him. Think he was last seen in Portugal. Yeah, that’s it. What’s over there? (Points and runs) 10/10.

JM Barrie - Finding Neverland (2004)

The role: Sir James Matthew Barrie is in need of some inspiration for his next play. Enter a family of four boys who have no father. Peter Pan is born.

Depp does solid, if slightly dull work compared to Sparrow. But he scored a second Oscar nomination out of it.

Jack Sparrow-o-meter: A weaver of stories… good, good. If he were a less snappy dresser, we could have a good time romancing the wenches. 6/10 .

Willy Wonka - Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005)

The role: Wonka filtered through Tim Burton’s brainpan sounds like another winning combination.

Depp certainly wrings out every last weird drop with his bleached white face and odd delivery, but it never quite feels like his best role.

Jack Sparrow-o-meter: A bit too weird, even for Jack. Free sweets though – I'd never turn that down. 6/10.

Sweeney Todd - Sweeney Todd (2007)

The role: The actor shows he’s got musical-quality singing pipes even if a lot of this Burton pic misfires.

Somehow, TB’s style and Depp’s look just don’t quite work for Sweeney, though they give it a good go.

Jack Sparrow-o-meter: I’m not fond of barbers, to be honest – too many knives near the ol’ throat. And he looks like a badger. All that said, I am partial to a pie. 6/10.

John Dillinger - Public Enemies (2009)

The role: Depp works with Michael Mann for the first time, who has found him a plum role in charismatic outlaw John Dillinger.

Depp can be as charming as he likes, fire Tommy Guns, romance Marion Cotillard and square up to Christian Bale’s proto-FBI agent.

Jack Sparrow-o-meter: A man after my own heart. Crime, ladies, and style – he’s welcome aboard the Black Pearl anytime. Except it sank. 9/10.

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James White
Freelance Journalist

James White is a freelance journalist who has been covering film and TV for over two decades. In that time, James has written for a wide variety of publications including Total Film and SFX. He has also worked for BAFTA and on ODEON's in-cinema magazine.