The Brave
About the Film
Raphael is a poor Native American ex-convict living with his wife and two children in a squalid shantytown beside a desert garbage dump, out of work and out of options. In his desperation to lift his family out of misery, he accepts a monstrous bargain from a sinister businessman: a large sum of money in exchange for his own life, to be taken on camera in a snuff film a week later.
With the advance in hand and only seven days left to live, Raphael sets about using the money to bring a little joy and dignity to his family and community — repairing his home, buying gifts, and quietly saying his goodbyes. Johnny Depp’s directorial debut is a sombre, spiritual meditation on poverty, sacrifice and love, building toward Raphael’s inevitable, self-chosen fate.
Plot synopsis by johnny-depp.org.
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp not only stars as Raphael but made the film his directorial debut, co-writing and directing this bleak, deeply personal drama. He plays Raphael with weary tenderness and quiet resolve — an ordinary, downtrodden man who makes an unthinkable sacrifice out of love for his family — and surrounded himself with heroes like Marlon Brando, who took a supporting role as the shadowy McCarthy.
Cast & Crew
Cast
RaphaelJohnny Depp
McCarthyMarlon Brando
LarryMarshall Bell
RitaElpidia Carrillo
Lou Sr.Frederic Forrest
Father StrattonClarence Williams III
Crew
DirectorJohnny Depp
ScreenplayJohnny Depp, D.P. Depp & Paul McCudden
Based on the novel byGregory McDonald
MusicIggy Pop
CinematographyVilko Filač & Eugene D. Shlugleit
ProducersCharles Evans Jr., Carroll Kemp
StudioMajestic Films International
Filming Locations
- California desert locations, USA
- Ridgecrest and the Mojave Desert region, California
More about this film
Trivia
- It was Johnny Depp’s feature directorial debut — he co-wrote, directed and starred in it.
- Depp reportedly invested a large sum of his own money to get the film made, and coaxed Marlon Brando into a supporting role.
- The score was composed by punk icon Iggy Pop.
- The film premiered in competition at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival but Depp declined a US theatrical/home-video release after harsh American reviews, making it long hard to see stateside.
Awards
- 1997 Cannes Film Festival — Palme d’Or, nominated (in competition)
