Johnny Depp is widely considered one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation. Over the course of his decades-long career, Depp has brought many memorable characters to life in a variety of genres. While his acting talents are undeniable, some of Depp’s most talked about performances have included intimate scenes that generated significant buzz and discussion. In this article, we will examine three of Johnny Depp’s most iconic and discussed intimate scenes from early in his career that helped establish him as a leading man and sex symbol in Hollywood.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
One of Johnny Depp’s breakout roles early in his career was in the 1993 drama What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. In the film, Depp plays Gilbert Grape, a young man living in a small Iowa town who is responsible for caring for his obese mother and intellectually disabled younger brother Arnie. The film also stars Leonardo DiCaprio in his film debut as Arnie and Juliette Lewis as Becky, Gilbert’s love interest who is around the same age as Arnie.
While the film tackles many serious themes around family dysfunction and caregiving responsibilities, one scene in particular generated significant discussion – a brief but intimate bathing scene between Depp and Lewis’ characters. In the scene, Gilbert helps bathe his younger sister Becky. Though their actions are not explicitly sexual, the intimacy of washing and touching each other’s bodies in a vulnerable state adds an undercurrent of complexity to their sibling relationship.
At the time, Depp was only in his early 20s while Lewis was just 17 years old. Their age difference, coupled with the depiction of intimacy between siblings, understandably made some viewers uncomfortable. However, most critics praised the scene for its delicate handling of the sensitive subject matter and for adding emotional depth and complexity to the characters’ relationship. For Depp, the scene helped establish his ability and willingness to take on challenging roles that pushed boundaries.
Beyond any controversy, the scene between Gilbert and Becky is also memorable for its tender portrayal of familial love and caregiving. Their intimacy is meant to convey affection and trust rather than sexuality. Viewed in that light, many argue the scene is ultimately moving in how it shows Gilbert’s deep care and responsibility towards his sister’s well-being despite their difficult circumstances. For Depp and Lewis, their emotionally raw performances in this pivotal scene announced them as talents to watch in the industry.
Blow (2001)
Nearly a decade after What’s Eating Gilbert Grape put him on the map, Johnny Depp took on one of his most unhinged and controversial roles in Blow. The 2001 biopic film directed by Ted Demme tells the true story of American drug smuggler George Jung’s rise and fall in the cocaine trade in the 1970s-80s era. In the film, Depp fully commits to bringing Jung’s reckless, thrill-seeking personality to life.
One of the most memorable scenes in Blow occurs when Jung is at the height of his drug empire wealth and excess. He flies to Colombia with his friend Tuna and meets up with his supplier Mirtha, played by Penélope Cruz. That night, Jung and Mirtha engage in a passionate, drug-fueled sexual encounter. In the scene, Depp and Cruz are shown in various states of undress kissing and caressing each other aggressively on a bed.
Compared to the intimacy of What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Depp and Cruz’s scene in Blow is much more explicit and graphic in its depiction of sexuality. At the time, it stood out as one of the steamiest scenes of Depp’s career. For Cruz as well, it marked her American film debut and introduced her as a rising Latina star with sex appeal.
Naturally, the graphic nature of the scene generated buzz and some criticism. However, defenders argued it was necessary to fully capture the overindulgent mindset and lifestyle of Jung during the peak of his criminal exploits. For Depp, the scene demonstrated his commitment method acting and willingness to shed his previous “pretty boy” image in favor of darker, grittier roles. It helped cement his transition into more mature, complex leading man parts.
Secret Window (2004)
In 2004, Johnny Depp took on one of his most unsettling roles yet in the psychological thriller Secret Window.
Based on a Stephen King novella, Depp plays Mort Rainey, a novelist struggling with writer’s block who begins receiving threats from a stalker named John Shooter played by John Turturro.
As Mort’s grip on reality starts to slip, the line between fiction and reality becomes dangerously blurred.
One scene in particular left many viewers perplexed and discussing its implications. In the scene, Mort has a sexual encounter with his neighbor Amy, played by Maria Bello, who comes to check on him at his remote lake house.
Their intimacy appears consensual at first but takes a disturbing turn. In the aftermath, it becomes unclear if the entire encounter was real or just another hallucination in Mort’s troubled mind.
Compared to Depp’s previous sex scenes, what made his interaction with Bello in Secret Window so unsettling was the ambiguity over its reality.
Either way, Depp’s unhinged yet subtle performance conveyed Mort’s fraying mental state in a deeply uncomfortable manner.
For Depp, the scene demonstrated his fearlessness in tackling disturbing subject matter if it served the story.
It helped cement his status as not just a Hollywood heartthrob but also a serious actor willing to disappear into disturbing roles.
While Secret Window didn’t achieve the same commercial success as some of Depp’s other films, his unforgettable performance left lasting impressions on audiences.
Legacy and Impact
Looking back, Johnny Depp’s willingness to take risks and push boundaries with intimate scenes early in his career helped cement his status as one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation.
While some viewers found the scenes gratuitous or exploitative, most critics agree Depp and his partners delivered nuanced, compelling performances that served the narratives.
Through roles like Gilbert Grape, George Jung, and Mort Rainey, Depp established himself as a shapeshifter willing to disappear into any character.
Nearly 30 years after What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Depp remains one of the few A-list Hollywood stars consistently willing to challenge himself with complex, controversial roles rather than playing it safe.
His memorable intimate scenes from early films like Gilbert Grape, Blow and Secret Window not only generated discussion but announced Depp had much more depth than a pretty boy action hero. They set the stage for him to become one of the most respected actors of his time through daring performances across genres.
While Depp’s private life has faced more recent controversy, his extensive filmography stands as a testament to his incredible acting abilities.
Through unforgettable roles that pushed boundaries, Depp established himself as a dedicated craftsman willing to shed all vanity for his art.
His most iconic intimate scenes from early films demonstrated not just his sex appeal but also his fearlessness and commitment to transforming completely for any role. They announced Depp was not just a movie star but also one of generation’s great chameleons.
