by Zack Mandell

Created on: October 19, 2010

Johnny Depp is an actor who, at a young age, was able to command the movie screen like an industry veteran. He made his debut in the 1984 horror flick “Nightmare on Elm Street”. From there Depp would go on to star in numerous blockbuster films over the next 25 years. What sets him apart from other great actors is his ability to play these deep eccentric characters such as Willy Wonka and Ichabod Crane.

In my opinion, Johnny Depp’s Top 10 Characters include the following (in no particular order):

1) Edward Scissorhands in Edward Scissorhands (1990):  A young Johnny Depp took on the challenge of playing Edward, a boy “created by a bizarre inventor who died shortly before his transformation from mechanical construct to organic seeming human could be complete, leaving him permanently with hands that resemble several pairs of scissors” (Qwipster.net). Adopted by a loving woman named Peg, Edward finds himself relating to the nice and accepting family in her home. The neighborhood becomes interested in this new boy, showing kindness and curiosity in their approach. Edward finds himself developing feelings for Peg’s daughter, Kim (Winona Ryder), but their friendship doesn’t sit so well with the girl’s boyfriend. As the likeable Edward, Depp demonstrated his depth as an actor early in his career.

2) "Drape" Wade Walker in Cry-Baby (1990): The handsome Drape Walker is known by his nickname, “Cry-Baby”, based on his ability to shed a single tear. Set in the 1930s, Depp’s rebel character falls in love with a square named Allison Vernon-Williams. Cry-Baby’s crew isn’t pleased with his choice, as they don’t trust the squares. Even more disapproving of their new relationship is Allison’s mother, who constantly tries to steer the two apart. If you’ve seen this movie, Depp comes across as a heartthrob with the seriousness of a mainstream actor. You can tell he’s a big fish in a small pond.

3)  Raoul Duke in Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas (1998):  This movie was Depp’s breakout role as an adult actor.  Fear & Loathing garnered a fan base seemingly overnight, and the movie still holds onto it after more than a decade.  As Raoul Duke, Johnny Depp plays a gonzo journalist sent to cover a motorcycle race in Las Vegas. While there, he and his lawyer end up consuming a large amount of drugs and set out to discover “The American Dream”.

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