Chapter 10: Johnny Depp

In 'Edward Scissorhands', the overarching theme is innocence and warmth. Director Tim Burton chose an adult fairy tale to emphasize the core of warmth.

"Depp, your look," Arthur teased, looking at Johnny Depp dressed in tight leather and wearing a pale, bizarre makeup, dripping with sweat on the set.

After a week of shooting, it was Friday, and although Arthur had no scenes today, he still had to be there.

As a rocker, Johnny Depp already had a unique style. He lifted his hand with the large scissors and smiled, "Not bad, just that Florida's heat is unbearable in this outfit!"

"Indeed," Arthur shrugged helplessly. It was June, and they still had to shoot Christmas scenes. It was quite uncomfortable.

Johnny Depp and Arthur Smith shared the same agent, Tracey Jacobs, and quickly became familiar with each other.

Arthur knew Johnny Depp had a three-year marriage and was engaged twice after his divorce, the second time this year with an actress from '21 Jump Street'.

Arthur seemed to recall that Johnny Depp mentioned he fell in love with Winona Ryder while filming 'Edward Scissorhands'.

"Alright, don't go back tonight. After my scenes, let's go for a drink at a bar in Tampa," Johnny Depp said, winking at Arthur.

"Let's invite Winona too; she seems to have no plans," Arthur suggested.

"Sure, go tell her," Johnny Depp waved his large scissors.

Arthur nodded and went to Winona Ryder's resting area, "Hi, Winona!"

"Hey, Arthur, what's up?" Winona Ryder, now without her character's golden wig, sported her natural short black hair.

Arthur, who naturally had brown hair but had it dyed blonde for the role, said, "Johnny and I are going to a bar in Tampa tonight. Want to join?"

"Can I go to a bar?" Winona Ryder seemed a bit excited, as she had just turned 18.

Raised by hippie parents and often bullied as a tomboy in her childhood, she had few friends.

Arthur suddenly remembered something, "Are you 18?"

Many bars had age restrictions, some requiring patrons to be over 21.

Winona Ryder nodded, "I just turned 18 this year!"

Arthur nodded, "Alright, you'll be safe with me," he said, admiring her short hair, "You look great with short hair!"

"Thanks," Winona Ryder smiled, handing Arthur a glass of water after he sat down, "You're so different from your character in the movie."

"Haha, well, anyone would hold on tight to a girlfriend like you," Arthur laughed, touching his face, "But my character is really nasty in the movie!"

"Is the director not here today? I haven't seen him," Arthur asked.

"The director is promoting 'Batman,'" Winona Ryder explained.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Arthur scratched his head, "I heard 'Batman' grossed over $40 million on opening weekend. Amazing! After 'Edward Scissorhands,' Tim Burton will probably start working on the 'Batman' sequel!"

"Arthur, what have you been doing every night in your room?" Winona Ryder suddenly asked.

Arthur smiled mysteriously, "I've been writing a script, a teen comedy set in a high school!"

"Writing a script?" Winona Ryder's eyes widened in disbelief, "No wonder you disappear into your room after leaving the set."

In 'Edward Scissorhands,' Arthur played Winona Ryder's boyfriend, sharing several scenes with her.

After all, Arthur's character was the main antagonist in the film!

Winona Ryder said, "I used to live on a remote farm with my parents, where there was no TV or internet. I read a lot of books every day!"

"Ever thought about writing a script?"

Winona Ryder had chosen to homeschool due to severe bullying at school.

Seeing a hint of melancholy in Winona Ryder's eyes, Arthur patted her shoulder, "Hey, cheer up! It's better to be happy! Do you know what happened to me in LA before coming to Florida?"

"What happened?" Winona Ryder, intrigued by Arthur's mysterious tone, leaned closer.

"Three guys tried to rob me behind a bar in Northridge, San Fernando Valley."

"You got robbed?"

"No, after dragging me into an alley, they ended up getting beaten up by me," Arthur laughed, "If you ever come to Northridge, LA, no one will dare bully you!"

"Hey, Arthur, you're only 20. It's still summer break," Winona Ryder laughed, punching Arthur on the shoulder.

Arthur shook his head, "I took a break from school. I'm focusing on my career now. *Edward Scissorhands* is my first project!"

"Alright," Arthur stood up, "Tonight, let's see the world with Depp."

Johnny Depp was a rising TV star, known for his rebellious nature, with a penchant for drinking and smoking marijuana.

"Sit down," Winona Ryder pulled Arthur back, "You have no scenes today. I heard the director and screenwriter talking about you. They said you have a deep understanding of the script. Is it true?"

"Well, sort of," Arthur rubbed his hands, smiling at Winona Ryder, "When this movie comes out next year, you and Depp will be stars. Don't forget about me then, and remember to give a preferential price. Depp might be difficult. His style matches Tim Burton's too well. He'll probably stick to these quirky roles," Arthur said, shaking his head.

'Edward Scissorhands' marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. These quirky and bizarre scripts were hard to come by. Depp's most memorable role for Arthur was in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' series.

"Are you planning to make movies?" Winona Ryder was surprised. During their scenes together, Arthur, known as a social butterfly on set, had become her friend.

She reminded him, "Arthur, making movies isn't easy. You've got potential. You should focus on acting!"

"Don't worry, you've got to have dreams," Arthur stood up again, "I'm going over there. I'll find you later."

Arthur headed towards the set, shouting from afar, "Hey, dear Robert, your pants are falling!"

Young Robert, who played the heroine's brother in the movie, raised his head, "Oh, you think I'll fall for that, Arthur?"

Arthur clicked his tongue, ran over, and fist-bumped Robert, "Where's your mom? Why isn't she here?"

"Over there," Robert pointed, "Planning next week's shoot."

"Where are you going this weekend?"

"Mom said we're going to the library!"

"Well, congratulations then..."

Arthur quietly stood aside, waiting for the assistant director to continue the next scene. The planning, camera work, lighting, and sound control on set were all a learning experience...

*****

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