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Nominated for a 2008 Oscar for his role in Sweeney Todd, Johnny Depp continues to dazzle the movie industry. The sheer genius and diverse range covered by his acting ability dictate that with each film he stars in, there will be another brilliant character portrayal worthy of being added to anybody's top ten list. I feel it would be impossible for me to list them in any particular order as I believe they all stand out on their own merit, often for very different reasons.

Donnie Brasco (1997)
A straighter role than we have come to expect from Depp in this film based on a true story by Joseph D. Pistone about his time as an FBI agent. Depp portrays the FBI undercover agent who infiltrates the mob under the name Donnie Brasco. Taken under the wing of Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero (Al Pacino) we see the effects of what happens as he falls deeper into the mafia faction he is gathering evidence on. Depp slowly begins to associate with this life more than the one he has left behind and his marriage falls apart as a result. The relationship between Depp and Pacino is electric and the tension is all too real as the story builds when the mafia suspect a mole in the organisation. As his life is placed further in danger Depp's performance expresses the desperation of Pistone's situation when it becomes clear he has to make the decision to walk away, knowing if he does it will be 'Lefty' who will face the punishment of the organisation.

From Hell (2001)
In this we see Depp as Scotland Yard Inspector Frederick Abberline assisted by his partner Peter Godley (Robbie Coltrane) on the case of the infamous Jack the Ripper, in London. Depp plays the brilliant yet troubled inspector who often uses his psychic abilities heightened by his opium use, to aide his police work. Depp was thorough in his preparation for the role, after working with a voice coach to achieve a convincing and accurate cockney accent throughout. Depp's dedication to the preparation process brings the character to life and allows him to fit perfectly into the role as easily as a native Londoner.

Pirattes of the Caribbean (Trilogy 2006 - 2007)
Initially not wanted by the filmmakers in the belief that he wasn't the right man to play Captain Jack Sparrow; Depp expressed his desire to play the character so his children could finally see a film containing their father, due to the more adult themed roles he is accustomed to portraying. With the Pirattes trilogy Depp has firmly cemented his place in movie history,

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