I respect the guy for his work, he's made some great movies, and seems to honor his craft, instead of simply sleepwalking his way through cookie-cutter parts, like his peers. When i heard he was cast in "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas" I was EXTREMELY skeptical (as a closet Hunter S. Thomson fan - the man was insane, but BOY what a ride his books are!), but seeing the movie, he won me over.
Yes, he's put his foot in his mouth, what actor or actress has'nt? They're ACTORS. They are not bestowed with all-knowing knowledge and wisdom when they get their SAG cards, even though most think they do. Most of them never graduated from high school, let alone college - it's one of few professions where high school dropouts can make millions of dollars.
So, I judge him by his work. He's done great work. Some not so great - the new Willy Wonka is HORRIBLE. I love Tim Burton's stuff, but this one failed in so many ways - the only good thing was the sets. Depp's characterization in the movie of Willie Wonka as a fey, mugging, smart-alec simply failed - Gene Wilder's protrayal was inspired and more accurate to the books. But the other movies on his resume are full of HUGE chops: Pirates, Once Upon A time In Mexica, Blow, Fear And Loathing, From Hell, Finding Neverland (VERY good), Chocolat, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow...if he's in a movie, I'll check it out, simply on his name alone.
As to his leaving France, I wonder if it has anything to do with a story I heard, about his involvement in a lawsuit over the Viper Room, which he was part owner. One of the parties in the suit, one of Depp's partners, either disapeared or was killed, I forget which, and Depp fled the country afterwards. I don't remember the specifics, all i remember is being told by people who knew all the parties involved Depp was not accused of anything, but might have knowledge, out of fear more than anything. I don't know, I don't remember, but I know his leaving for France was around the time this was happening, and it looked suspicious. It could be the usual Hollywood gossip, but I dimply remember a few articles were written, and the people who told me are usually credible.
Are you talking about the death of River Phoenix?
You forgot two of my all time favorites: Donnie Brasco and What's Eating Gilbert Grape.
He's something like the late Hunter S. Thompson, whom he played. Some complained about Thompson for being a bad influence. Undoubtedly he was. Living like Hunter Thompson would be a mistake, but the attacks were overdone. Every age has its profligates and buffoons, and yet the world goes on, not much the worse for their follies. Thompson did bring entertainment to many and undoubtedly hurt himself most.