The Forgotten Movie Johnny Depp Calls “Unbelievable” – Why He Believes It’s The Pinnacle of Cinema

Johnny Depp, a name synonymous with eclectic and transformative performances, has built a career that spans some of the most beloved and bizarre characters in modern cinema. However, amid his diverse and often groundbreaking body of work, Depp has always been quick to point out the films and performances that have shaped him as an actor. While Withnail and I and Jim Jarmusch’s Down by Law frequently make appearances in conversations about Depp’s favorites, there is one film he has consistently called “perfect cinema” — and it’s a largely forgotten 1984 crime drama, The Pope of Greenwich Village.

The film, directed by Stuart Rosenberg, didn’t set the world on fire when it was released, but Depp’s admiration for it has remained steadfast. In an interview with Mickey Rourke for Interview magazine in 2003, Depp was candid about his admiration for Rourke’s early career, particularly his role in The Pope of Greenwich Village. Depp revealed, “One thing I’ve always wanted to ask you about is The Pope of Greenwich Village because, to me, it was perfect cinema. Your work in it was unbelievable. Eric Roberts’ work was unbelievable.”

Rourke, who had not yet fully reclaimed his place on the A-list following a turbulent period in his career, seemed genuinely appreciative of Depp’s praise. The film’s standout performances by both Rourke and Eric Roberts, who played his cousin and fellow small-time crook, helped cement the movie as a cult classic, even though it never achieved significant commercial success. Geraldine Page’s Oscar-nominated supporting role further highlighted the talent on display, but despite the accolades, The Pope of Greenwich Village failed to resonate with a wide audience and faded somewhat from public memory.

Rourke recalled the joy he felt working on the film, saying, “It was the most fun I’ve ever had on a movie. It was one of the happiest times in my life.” He also expressed his admiration for his co-star, Eric Roberts, noting, “Eric’s another guy I wish they would judge on his work instead of his reputation. To me, he’s one of the best actors around.”

However, the movie’s underwhelming box office performance weighed heavily on Rourke, especially as the studio that had originally backed the film changed ownership just before its release, which Rourke believed led to it being lost in the shuffle. The failure was a blow to the young actor, who had high hopes for the film, and it contributed to a downward spiral in his personal and professional life. “That’s about the time I started to short-circuit because I had high aspirations for the film,” Rourke confessed. “I never told anybody that.”

For Depp, The Pope of Greenwich Village remains a touchstone of what he calls “perfect cinema.” Despite its relative obscurity, the film’s influence on him has been profound, and his continuous praise for it speaks to his deep understanding and appreciation of raw, unfiltered performances — something he himself would come to exemplify throughout his own career.

As the years go by, Depp’s reverence for The Pope of Greenwich Village serves as a reminder of how some of the most poignant and impactful films can slip under the radar while still leaving an indelible mark on those who encounter them. For Depp, this particular film holds a unique place in his cinematic journey, a testament to the power of passion-driven performances and the films that inspire them, regardless of their commercial success.