Filmmaker Emma Cooper found herself completely immersed in the trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard for her latest project, “Depp v. Heard.” Knowing the high level of interest and controversy surrounding the trial, Cooper turned off her notifications to avoid the overwhelming online commentary. The trial, which lasted six weeks, garnered global attention as both actors accused each other of domestic violence. Depp emerged as the winner, with Heard ordered to pay him $10 million in damages before settling their legal battle for $1 million.
Given the polarizing nature of her docuseries, Cooper was not surprised by the backlash from supporters of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. She sees it as a balanced level of hate, with fans and detractors of both actors expressing their opinions about the project.
However, the main focus of Cooper’s three-part series is not to reveal any new information about the trial. Instead, she aims to shed light on the societal phenomenon surrounding the trial and our collective role in fueling the sensational conversation around it. The judgmental comments she received prior to the release of the docuseries exemplify the larger issue she explores in “Depp v. Heard.”
Cooper’s interest in the trial as a spectator fueled her desire to create this docuseries. She reflects on her own fascination with a private relationship turned public spectacle and recognizes the cultural and social significance of the trial. As a documentary maker, she saw it as an opportunity to capture the zeitgeist and examine how we engage with events that don’t directly involve us.
In contrast to typical documentaries, “Depp v. Heard” does not feature any interviews with experts or the involved parties. Instead, it repurposes the trial’s live-feed and incorporates YouTube commentary, TikToks, and archival media footage. Cooper did reach out to Depp and Heard’s representatives to inform them about the docuseries, but she didn’t request interviews. Her intention was to create a balanced and thought-provoking conversation about the trial rather than delve into specific he-said-she-said details.
While the trial may have drawn attention as a #MeToo story, Cooper believes that the obsession with the case stems more from Johnny Depp’s immense star power than from any larger societal issues. She acknowledges the disparities in how women are treated in public but attributes the fascination with Depp to his longstanding Hollywood career. Cooper does not explore the impact of social media on the trial’s outcome in her docuseries, as she didn’t have access to the jurors.
Cooper doesn’t believe that the trial will have a profound effect on the justice system but finds it intriguing that YouTubers were integrated into the post-trial discussion, highlighting the power of public opinion. Ultimately, her goal is to provoke thoughtful reflection and conversation about our collective behavior and communication during such highly publicized trials.
Editor’s note: This reporter is featured in “Depp v. Heard” via two archival media interviews and was not informed about their inclusion prior to this interview.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
