Release: The Diplomat

 

The Diplomat

Genre: Drama

Director: Woody Allen

Writer: Lon Charles

Cast: Johnny Depp, Eva Green, Jay Mohr, Mallory Wanecque, Emma Laird

Budget: $20,000,000

Domestic Box Office: $12,094,585

Foreign Box Office: $19,488,503

Total Profit: -$10,903,699

Reaction: The studio was definitely hoping for a better box office turnout from the team-up of Depp and Allen, but the subject matter is definitely not easily marketable - and frankly, may not appeal to the main fanbases of either talent.

"Woody Allen returns to Hollywood filmmaking with a dark, unsettling drama that is entirely reliant on the lead performance from its star, the great Johnny Depp. Lon Charles' script can be heavy-handed and lacks subtlety at times, but it does give Depp a role he can really sink his teeth into, delivering a haunting performance as the deeply flawed French diplomat. Eva Green is just as good as his cold and distant wife. Like its hero, The Diplomat often wavers on the line of self-destruction, but ultimately delivers a powerful, albeit flawed, film that will not be forgotten any time soon. Given the subject matter, star and director, The Diplomat is sure to be considered a memorable and divisive addition to the LRF catalog." - Dave Manning, Ridgefield Press

"There was obviously a lot of curiosity heading into this one given the public images of the personae non grata in front of and behind the camera. The end result is a film on the better half of Allen's 21st century output with a fine dramatic performance from Depp, which has been rarer these days. Some may expect a scathing treatise on cancel culture but the script plays it more subtle, painting a man with complications beyond what he's actually on trial for. While I found Jay Mohr to be pitch perfect for his part, it did feel like the film was missing another character or two in support to fully bolster the drama." - Reggie Coscarelli, San Fernando Valley Sun

"Though without my feelings towards Mr. Allen, this film feels like a great reminder of the talent he is behind the camera from his good old days. But the spotlight is on the star as Depp showcases why at one time he was called the world's greatest actor. He plays this beautifully damaged/broken character so well you can't but help think some recent personal drama helped out a little bit"  - Charlie Sage, HBC-TV

Rated R for strong language, drug use, sexual content, and brief nudity