Johnny Depp transforms for a role unlike any of his previous in Funny or Die’s comedic mock biopic.
Known for his chameleon like acting and his sense of humor, Depp combines the two in a mock biopic film about rising Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump. The “film” is only 50 minutes long and is (loosely) based on Trump’s novel “The Art of the Deal”. It has to be described as loosely because the comedy streaming website obviously put their own spin on the story with the help of some big acting talents. Johnny Depp plays the main character of Trump, Michaela Watkins plays Ivana Trump, and other noticeable names like Patton Oswalt as Merv Griffin.
The comedy platform has released another Trump parody back in September that provided a racial bend of sorts and portrayed the now politician as a Mexican. Taking his political views, like building a wall, and flipping it so that it was to keep out “lazy Americans”, George Lopez stepped into the spotlight as the business man. That parody has received over 10 million views, many more than Depp’s version however his parody is quite recent.
Aiming to coincide with Trump’s victory in New Hampshire, the “film” was posted on Wednesday and featured the acclaimed actor donning prosthetics and the infamous blonde comb over. The mock biopic is introduced as having been written and directed by Trump himself. The video opens up with director Ron Howard explaining that he found a VHS of the film in a yard sale. In order to play into the idea that the film was made in the 80s the entire film is show with a grainy filter to the video quality and backed by Kenny Loggins singing the title song.
The entire film touches upon controversial statements and ideologies of the business man. It also brings in comedians and actors from all crevices to act out parts that elaborate on Trump’s narcissism and past shenanigans. All of these antics lead up to a moment where past Trump meets present Trump and provides offhanded advice, hoping to put an end to the political career the real man threw himself into.
The parody was directed by Jeremy Konner of “Drunk History” and written by Joe Randazzo of The Onion. Though Depp may not have been nominated for his role in Black Mass, but he provides hilarious competition and fodder in the short film.
