This book is a particularly welcome addition to any fan's library, since it focuses exclusively on Johnny Depp's movie roles. Each chapter is devoted to a discussion of one of his films and is written by a (almost definitely British) film critic.

The overall tone of the book can best be summed up by quotes from two of the book's contributors:

- In his Introduction, Andy Lowe comments: 'The joy of Johnny Depp is that if he didn't exist, Hollywood would see no need to invent him. He's the most rarefied anomaly: an indie-friendly character actor who rustled himself into the mainstream by taking the road less traveled...'

- And here are James Marriott's closing remarks in the final chapter: 'Depp's choice of films throughout his career has demonstrated that he is interested in taking risks, in working with directors who have an individual vision, such as Emir Kusturica and Jim Jarmusch - and although he's an eminently marketable commodity, he hasn't gone down the Hollywood pin-up route to solid commercial success. It's probable that he's been the key factor in having films like 'Ed Wood' and even 'Fear and Loathing' green-lighted by the studios, and for that he is owed a debt of gratitude...'

The structure for each chapter is to begin with a synopsis of the film (usually half of the chapter is given over to this, although some writers devote almost the whole article to a detailed discussion of the plot), and then to elucidate on the director's objectives, Depp's performance, and/or his choice of role and its pertinence to his growing body of work in film. It's an interesting approach because, in the right hands, it points up new meanings and nuances within the film and casts light on why Johnny selected that particular role at that point in time. Since each chapter is written by a different critic this makes for an interesting if uneven read, but without exception the book's contributors all admire Depp's work and the path he has chosen.

For me, three chapters stood out. Andy Lowe's wide-ranging and accurate Introduction was especially enjoyable because of the writer's palpable appreciation of Depp's screen work, the bravery of his choices, and his ongoing contribution to independent cinema. Secondly, Stephanie Watson's chapter on 'Edward Scissorhands' - with its extensive quotes from both actor and director, together with her reading of Edward's physical mannerisms - reminded me just how brilliant that film is and what an extraordinary performance Johnny delivered. And finally (but by no means least): Alan Morrison's chapter on 'Dead Man', which seamlessly blends an analysis of Jarmusch's vision with an appreciation of the finished film and of Depp's performance in the role of William Blake. For me, this chapter is an exemplary film critique of the perfect film (but then, I'm biased!).

Each chapter covers between 5 - 10 pages (in fairly large font) and includes 4 or 5 b&w photos from the film in question (no new pictures). Quotes and other references are explained in the thorough Notes section that accompany each chapter.

I have only three complaints with the book. The first is my disappointment that there are no exclusive or new interviews with either Johnny or the directors of his films. Instead, there are numerous quotes from contemporary magazine interviews around the time of each film's release, and a couple of the writers quote extensively from the December 1998 UK TV programme 'What's Eating Johnny Depp?' to illustrate the points being made.

The second problem I had was with Mikita Brottman's two contributions ('Nightmare' and 'Donnie Brasco'). Unlike the other critics, he discusses these films without much (if any) evaluation of Johnny's performance in them. When describing the plot of 'Donnie Brasco', for example, Brottman irritatingly refers to the lead character as "Depp/Pistone" or simply "Depp", as though this excuses him from bothering to criticise Johnny's contribution at all. To be frank I felt both cheated and annoyed with these two chapters and wished that another critic had taken up the pen instead.

My final disagreement is with the list of films selected as Johnny Depp's 'Top 10'. I guess I won't be the only one who wished they'd dropped the coverage of Johnny's early work in favour of more recent films. (Personally, I'd trade both of Mikita Brottman's chapters for a decent review of 'Arizona Dream'!) However, having read the book I can understand why editor Jack Hunter chose to include 'Nightmare' (JD's tentative debut into acting), 'Platoon' (his first taste of a serious and strenuous movie shoot), and 'Nick of Time' (a commercial sell-out or an under-appreciated addition to Depp's catalogue of 'outsider' roles?).

I only spotted a couple of minor errors. The first is a printers' error that has left Dennis Hopper's name in the page heading for the Index of Films (presumably a hangover from the previous publication in this series). The other is the inclusion of 'Just to Be Together' in Depp's Filmography. (Surely a filmography listing should only include films that have actually been made? - or perhaps they know something we don't!) In the same vein, 'The Ninth Gate' is mentioned as being a possible future film project, despite the book being compiled in spring/summer 1999 - months after Polanski's movie wrapped and when the writer was aware that Johnny was in England shooting 'Sleepy Hollow'. Altogether, though, these are very minor quibbles with a book that's extremely well researched and put together.

In summary, this book is an engrossing if uneven read and a must for all Depp fans who are fascinated by his unique and extraordinary contributions to the silver screen. 'Movie Top Ten' is an unusual but appreciative evaluation of Johnny Depp's film choices and performances since he began walking that long 'road less traveled' back in 1984.

Table of Contents
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1. Introduction: 'Outsider Edge' by Andy Lowe
2. Teenage Wet Dream: Johnny Depp in 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' by Mikita Brottman
3. 'Platoon' by Peter Ross
4. Teenage Icon: Notes on John Waters' 'Cry-Baby' by Jack Sargeant
5. Taking a Slice out of Suburbia: Johnny Depp as 'Edward Scissorhands' by Stephanie Watson
6. Going Nowhere: 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape?' by Andy Lowe
7. Celebrating the Outsiders: Tim Burton's 'Ed Wood' by Jack Sargeant
8. Straight Time: Johnny Depp in 'Nick of Time' by Miles Fielder
9. Stranger in a Strange Land: 'Dead Man' by Alan Morrison
10. Cosa Nostra Imposter: Johnny Depp/Donnie Brasco by Mikita Brottman
11. 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' by James Marriott

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