Johnny Depp Was Forbidden From Releasing His Directorial Debut US (and Still Is)

The late 80s to early 90s were a great time for Johnny Depp. After fantastic performances in films such as Platoon, Whats Eating Gilbert Grape, and Ed Wood to name a few, it was only natural for him to explore other aspects of the movies where he could shine.

He tried his hand in filmmaking for the first and only time in The Brave, a forgotten neo-Western that was at the receiving end of harsh criticism.

Having the great Marlon Brando couldnt save the film from reviews despising the cameras affliction with Depps physical appearance and its molasses-like pace. Contrary to popular belief, Depps directorial debut is not devoid of anything significant, as it has a few things going for it, particularly an emotional core that a lot of people might find relatable.

Raphael Depp is a down-on-his luck, alcoholic Native American. He lives in a junkyard together with his family, and they struggle to make ends meet.

Raphael follows the tip of a man he met at a bar to go to meet McCarthy Brando, a shady producer who wants to make a snuff film. In exchange for his participation and subsequent torture and death, Raphael will get 50,000, an amount that would definitely help their current predicament, given that a corporation has already bought the land they are living on. Raphael agrees, and mentions that he will be back in a week to do the deed.

He is given a chunk of the money in advance, to which he splurges on his family and community. His wife Rita Elpidia Carrillo is doubtful of the source of the money. Raphael was a former criminal after all, and she fears he may have gone back down the dark path. Raphael assures her and the community priest that it isnt what she thinks it is.

Meanwhile, his former associate Luis Luis Guzmán has grown curious of his newfound wealth, and wants a taste of the action. During a fiesta where Raphael treats the entire village to a feast, Luis formally approaches his old friend, but is soundly rejected. Raphael doesnt want to be a part of that life anymore, but Luis warns that he must reconsider.

He leaves, and Raphael and Rita go out on a romantic walk to rekindle their love. Afterward, Raphael talks to the community priest to ask him for a favor. He confesses whats going to happen, and asks him to make sure that the rest of the money goes to his family.

The priest declines due to principles, and Raphael storms out of the church and back to his home. He discovers that an intoxicated Luis had tried to sexually assault Rita, but was saved by his son.

Incensed, he goes to Luis home and kills him. Raphael returns to his fathers house, goes through a native cleansing ritual, and says his final goodbyes to his sleeping family. The film ends with Raphael entering the building where the filming of his impending doom will take place.