Sauvage: The Film

Nighttime in Los Angeles. Riffs from an electric guitar ring out like haunting cries, in this original soundtrack by Ry Cooder, collaborating musician with the Rolling Stones and producer of the legendary album Buena Vista Social Club. On the guitar is Johnny Depp, his eyes hidden behind dark glasses, his hands covered in rings, wearing the personal jewelry he’s never seen without. This is the Johnny Depp we know, with that utterly unique allure, with that aura equal parts mysterious and rock’n’roll.

None of this is coincidental, for the campaign, directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, was conceived expressly with him, as though it were an autobiography. On a night illuminated by the lights of the city, he strums with an energetic frenzy, a level almost approaching rage. That rage bubbles over into a desire to go find a sense of raw realness away from the urban world. Answering the call of the road, Johnny Depp sets out, heading in the direction of the open west, a place where nature is the law of the land.

A coyote stands on the roof of his car, a buzzard circles, a bison passes by – these signs are to be interpreted as invitations for a return to the basics, to encourage the mask of artificiality to fall. Directly into the desert sands he buries charms and trinkets, ridding himself of the superfluous in a ceremonial act. The film ends at sunset as he reveals his true face, an unapologetically masculine man, but in touch with his deepest emotions. Authentic and noble. Untamed, but Dior.